Edward Heath

The day after a surprise Conservative victory in the general election, Edward Heath formed the government (succeeding to the Labour administration of Harold Wilson ).

British miners represented by the National Union of Mineworkers came out on strike after its negotiations with the National Coal Board ended in stalemate.

A strike by gas workers caused power shortages in Britain, closing factories, schools, and hospitals.

Two members of Edward Heath 's conservative government resigned over a scandal involving call-girls; one of them was the Lord Privy Seal.

Miners in Britain began an overtime ban in protest against their pay offer from the government. Prime Minister Edward Heath declared a state of emergency.

Britain experienced the three-day week, Edward Heath 's response to a miners' overtime ban: industry and businesses had to shut down for two days each week.

Labour having come first past the post in the general election of 28 February, Harold Wilson formed his second government (a minority one), replacing ConservativeEdward Heath as Prime Minister.

The home of Conservative Party leader Edward Heath was bombed, presumably by the IRA , despite a Christmas truce between the IRA and Protestant groups.

The Independent Commission on International Development , chaired by former German Chancellor Willy Brandt , whose remit included an analysis of relations between nations of North and South, met and reported.

Margaret Thatcher , at her second Conservative Party Conference as Prime Minister, facing the threat of revolt within her party and her Cabinet, delivered a strong speech which proved a turning-point.