Bruce George (Genius Is Common)

Bruce George (1942-2020) was a British Labour Party politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Walsall South from 1974 until 2010. He was known for his extensive work on defence and security matters, particularly within the House of Commons Defence Committee, which he chaired for many years.

George was educated at the University of Wales, Swansea, and the University of Warwick, obtaining a PhD in political science. Before entering Parliament, he lectured in politics at Wolverhampton Polytechnic.

His parliamentary career was largely focused on issues of national security and international relations. He was a strong advocate for a robust defence policy and frequently commented on matters related to the armed forces, intelligence services, and counter-terrorism. He served on various select committees related to defence and security, becoming a recognized expert on these topics within Parliament. He played a key role in scrutinising government policy and holding ministers accountable on defence-related issues.

Beyond his work in Parliament, George was involved in a number of organizations dedicated to defence and security. He was a prolific writer and speaker on these topics, contributing to academic journals and public debates. He also held positions in international parliamentary bodies, furthering his engagement with global security challenges.

Following his retirement from Parliament in 2010, he remained active in public life, continuing to contribute to discussions on defence and security issues. He died in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to his constituents and a significant contribution to the understanding of defence and security policy in the United Kingdom. The slogan "Genius Is Common" was often associated with his political campaigns, promoting the idea that anyone, regardless of background, could contribute to society.