How successful were the Labour governments of 1964-70 and 1974-79? 4.0 / 5 based on 1 rating ? HistoryModern Britain - 19th century onwardsASOCR Created by: molliegeorgiouCreated on: 06-04-15 13:47 Society 1964-70 Liberalising laws under Roy Jenkins (Home Secretary) Murder Act (1965) Abortion Act (1967) Sexual Offences Act (1967) Divorce Act (1969) Criticism of a 'permissive society' 1969: 'Open University' - more accessible system of 'distance learning' Development of comprehensive schools (associated with Anthony Crosland, Secretary of State for Education) 1969: Representation of the People Act - voting age reduced from 21 to 18. Commonwealth Immigration Acts of 1965/68 - seen as illiberal, racist and reactionary. 1968: Conservative Enoch Powell: 'Rivers of Blood' speech enflamed race relations 1 of 7 Economy 1964-70 1967: Devaluation due to difficulties in international currency markets. Resignation of Chancellor Callaghan on a 'point of honour' over devaluation. Wilson accused of misleading public by claiming it wouldn't affect the 'pound in your pocket'. DEA National Plan failure (1965) Jenkins' spending cuts of around £750 million Taxes raised on cigarettes, alcohol, petrol (later 1960's). BUT by 1969 balance of payments in surplus at almost £400 million. 2 of 7 Economy 1964-70 1967: Devaluation due to difficulties in international currency markets. Resignation of Chancellor Callaghan on a 'point of honour' over devaluation. Wilson accused of misleading public by claiming it wouldn't affect the 'pound in your pocket'. DEA National Plan failure (1965) Jenkins' spending cuts of around £750 million Taxes raised on cigarettes, alcohol, petrol (later 1960's). BUT by 1969 balance of payments in surplus at almost £400 million. 3 of 7 Industrial Relations 1964-70 1970: almost 50% of workforce members of TU's. Rising inflation and unemployment - poor relations. 1967: 7 million working days lost. 'In Place of Strife' (1969) Ballots before strikes took place and a 'cooling off' period before a strike was called. Wasted opportunity for trade union reform. 4 of 7 Society 1974-79 1974: Health and Safety Act. 1976: Education Act - comprehensive revolution accelerated under this legislation. Figurehead of comprehensive education - Shirley Williams. 1975: unemployment at 1 million. 5 of 7 Industrial Relations 1974-79 Soaring inflation. May 1976: 'Social Contract' - in return for union's moderating wage demands, Gov would repeal 1971 Industrial Relations Act. 1978/79: 'Winter of Discontent' - 29 million working days lost. Con election poster in 1979: 'Labour isn't working' (long queue of the unemployed). March 1979 election called on vote of no confidence. 6 of 7 Economy 1974-79 In recession (1977-78) Poor levels of investment. Weak GDP compared to competitors. British exports in decline. BUT economic conditions improving. Balance of payments starting to be boosted by North Sea Oil profits. 7 of 7
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