Political Developments: Political Aftermath of Strike Action

Question 1

What happened on 28th March 1979?

Answer 1

Callaghans government received a ‘No confidence’ vote in the House of Commons

Question 2

What was significant about the ‘No confidence’ vote for the Prime Minister?

Answer 2

This was the first time this had ever happened since 1841

Question 3

What 3 problems did Labour have by 1979?

Answer 3

Militant Unions, Economic Crises, Unemployment

Question 4

What political misjudgement did Labour make?

Answer 4

They felt that the Lib-Lab pact still existed

Question 5

Why did the Liberals no longer agree to the pact?

Answer 5

They did not like Labours response to the Strike Action

Question 6

Why did the SNP no longer agree to the pact?

Answer 6

They tried to make a referendum for devolution in their own borders but were denied by Labour as they did not make clear enough plans, so pulled out of Lib-Lab

Question 7

What was the impact of SNP cutting their alliance with Labour?

Answer 7

Labour no longer had a majority in the government

Question 8

What was called after the vote of No Confidence?

Answer 8

An election

Question 9

Why did Labour provide a poor election campaign?

Answer 9

Lack of morale due to the no confidence vote

Question 10

Who was the Conservative Leader in 1979?

Answer 10

Margaret Thatcher