3.13 Callaghan and Politics Flashcards
How far was Callaghan’s cabinet different from Wilson’s?
Very little changed
Why was the role of Foreign Secretary given to David Owen?
Crosland died
What TV show title did Callaghan appropriate to gain trust?
Jim’ll Fix It
What did Callaghan tell people at the 1976 Labour Party Conference?
‘You cannot now, if you ever could, spend your way out of recession.’
What were the effects of the 1976 economic crisis?
Labour lost a series of by-elections
Who was the Liberal Leader in 1977?
David Steel
What was the relationship like between Callaghan and Steel?
Positive. Callaghan affected a fatherly cordiality to him
What did the Liberals agree to do for Labour?
Back them in government
Avoid a no confidence vote
What other parties did Callaghan rely on for support?
Nationalist parties of Scotland and Wales
Why did nationalist parties of Scotland and Wales support Callaghan?
They wanted support for plans of devolution
When was the Scottish and Welsh referendum for devolution?
1st March 1979
What was the outcome of the Welsh vote for devolution?
Heavy defeat
What was the outcome of the Scottish vote for devolution?
51.6% ‘yes’
Why did the Scottish vote for devolution ultimately fail?
Only 63% of the population voted.
That meant that only 32.9% had voted for devolution.
The Scotland Act required a minimum of 40%
By 1979, how was Callaghan faring with his political allies?
Poor.
The Lib-Lab pact was effectively dead
The SNP stopped supporting the government.
