In 1875, Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli purchased 44% of the Suez Canalâs stock from the bankrupt Egyptian Khedive. He did not consult Parliament, but rather, acted quickly to obtain relative control over this vital point in British trade routes. Disraeli delivered this speech to the House of Commons in 1876, explaining his decision. This choice was ultimately both popular and profitable, and it has been noted as one of Disraeliâs greatest acts as prime minister.