Major (1990-1997) Flashcards
Why did Major have a lack of authority?
He had a lack of government experience, as he had only been a cabinet member since 1987
His uncharismatic personality all gave him a lack of support in parliament
How did Major win the 1992 election?
He would deliver vigorous speeches on-top of plastic boxes
Thatcher marked him as the best potential successor
What did the Dec 1991 Maastricht treaty declare?
Single currency for all EU members
Changed EEC to EU
Why did Britain oppose the Maastricht treaty?
Wanted to maintain monetary sovereignty as they wanted to control own interest and exchange rates
What were the MPs called who opposed increasing the power of the EU?
Eurosceptics
In which areas did Major negotiate as opt-outs of the Maastricht treaty?
Single European currency
Social chapter
How did Major force the ratification of the treaty through parliament?
Told his MPs that unless they voted in favour, the government would resign
What was the social chapter?
Allowed the EU to issue directives on working and employment conditions
What did Major call the eurosceptics in parliament during the Maastricht ratification process?
“The bastards”
In what year did Major hold an election on party leadership? What was the result?
1995
Major won the election however a 1/3 of cabinet voting against Majors showed how divided the tories were
In what year was the British economy tipped into a depression as a result of measures to end inflation?
September 1992
How many were unemployed in 1992?
2.6 million
How was it clear that Britain were in economic difficulties?
GDP diminished
Exchange rate was high
How did the government respond to economic difficulties in 1992?
Devalued the £, but value fell quicker than expected
How did chancellor Norman Lamont try to sustain the £’s value?
Pushed up interest rates and tried to get the Bank of England to buy pounds
What was black Wednesday?
Britain left the ERM on the 16th September due to economic failures
What was the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM)?
Created to achieve monetary stability in Europe
As a result of black Wednesday, eurosceptics arguments were supported by the fact that the EU did little to benefit Britain
How did labours strength lead to the end of conservative governance?
Tony Blair created “New Labour”, abandoning Clause IV which pledged to nationalist British industry
What was the cash for questions scandal in 1994?
Al Fayed (owner of Harrods) paid Tory MP to ask questions in parliament
Tory MP was sacked
What was the back the basics scandal?
Conservatives MPs claimed that family values had to be put before anything else
MP David Mellor had an affair in 1992
MP John Aitken also had an affair and a child out of wedlock in 1995
Hypocritical image created of Tory party
What were some sleaze and scandals of majors government?
• Back to Basics scandal
• Cash for questions scandal in 1994
• Maastricht affair in 1992
