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1964-70 - Coggle Diagram
1964-70
Social and Cultural Change
Media:
TV licences grew by over 13 million between 1950-1965.
By 1971 91% of people had TVs in their home and with the creation BBC 2 in 1964, everyone began to watch more.
Immigration:
Sudden influx of Kenyan Asians (Ugandan expulsions) led to introduction of COMMONWEALTH IMMIGRATION ACT (limited the right of return to Britain for non-white Commonwealth citizens).
Survey in 1965 highlighted 1 in 5 people objected to working with Black/asian people.
1965 the race relation act was passed which forbid discrimination in public places on 'the grounds of colour'.
Wilson and the Labour governments
Wilson's Ideology:
Economy:
Aimed at ending the ‘stop-go’ policies of the last 13 years.
Labour inherited a huge deficit of £400 million.
Introduced The National Plan e.g. Started the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in 1964 to try and tackle this.
Wilson hoped to create enough economic growth to catch up with competitors by keeping UK prices down.
By 1969-70 inflation was still at 12%.
Labour and Trade Unions:
Attempts to fix the issues with the Trade Unions was with Barbra castle who introduced 'In place of Strife' - this was ultimately abandoned in 1969 and increased tensions.
General workers union had the support of James Callaghan and at least 50 labour MPs who were ready to strike. Wilson gave in (1969) and the face-saving compromise humiliated government.
Liberal reforming legislation
Roy Jenkins was labour Home Secretary from 1965 was at the heart if Labours liberal legislation, which included:
Private members' bills:
In the 1960's backbench MPs brought about a number of reforms and this was because Jenkins was sympathetic and allowed them the time available for these reforms to pass. (Abortion and homosexuality) - usually do controversial laws.
The end of capital punishment:
In 1965, on a free vote, hanging was abolished for a trial period of 5 years and this was made permanent in 1969.
Jenkins also brought in majority verdicts for English juries rather than demanding unanimity in hopes more criminals would be convicted.
Divorce Reform:
In 1969 the divorce reform act was passed which allowed 'no fault divorce' following the 'irretrievable breakdown' of a marriage. Couples could divorce if: they lived apart for 2 years and both wanted a divorce, they lived apart for 5 years and 1 partner wanted a divorce.
Not all MPs where in favour of this.
Legislation of Abortion:
Until 1967 abortion was illegal, between 100k-200k illegal abortions happened each year.
Liberal MP David Steel lead the campaign for reform and in 1967 the abortion act was passed (coming into action in 1968).
The act permitted the legal termination of a pregnancy within the first 28 weeks and it needed written consent from 2 doctors.
Abortion rates increased by over 100k between 1968-75.
Homosexual relationships:
The sexual offences act 1967 although did not legalise homosexuals, it decriminalised it if, they where both 21 and consented. (also it had to be in private).
Educational Reform:
By 1970 there where 1145 comprehensive schools.
In 1969 the open university headquarters was established.
Relations with and policies towards USA