British Foreign Secretary

At-a-Glance

Served as Foreign Secretary in the post-war Labour government (1945–1951)
Co-founded the Transport and General Workers' Union
Secured Marshall Aid
Main drive behind the creation of NATO
Served as Minister of Labour and National Service in the wartime coalition government

Biography

Ernest Bevin (1881–1951) was a prominent British statesman, Labour Party politician, and trade union leader. He is best known for his role as Foreign Secretary in the post-war Labour government from 1945 to 1951, a period during which he significantly shaped Britain's international policy and played a crucial part in the early Cold War era.

As Foreign Secretary, Bevin secured Marshall Aid for post-war recovery, strongly opposed communism, and was a main driver behind the creation of NATO.