Crisis? What Crisis?

Over thirty years later, the British 'winter of discontent' still resonates in British politics and contemporary public rhetoric. This is the first full-length account of a major turning point in late twentieth-century Britain. Based on a wide range of recently available historical sources and key interviews with politicians, trade unionists, civil servants and journalists, it breaks new ground in analysing the origins, character and impact of this turbulent period. How did industrial relations break down between the government and the unions? Why was no state of emergency declared? Was the 'winter of discontent' inevitable or avoidable? Who was to blame - the Labour government or trade union power? This important study will appeal to all those interested in contemporary history and British politics.