1975

In yesterday's post I described the difficulties that the Democrats faced in the House of Representatives in 1975. This side of the Atlantic the Labour Party faced its own difficulties. However it did not "enjoy" a large majority in the House of Commons. Instead, it barely had a majority. The October 1974 General Election had at least taken it out of being a "minority Government" - just! It needed 318 seats for a majority - it won a net 18 seats - taking it to 319!!

The big issue of 1975 was the referendum on Britain's membership of the European Economic Community (the 'Common Market'). Britain had joined in 1973 - but this was a decision of Parliament alone. The people were not consulted. In fact there had never been a nationwide referendum in Britain before (and in fact, there has been none since - though referenda have been held in parts of the country). Labour was divided to the core on the issue. Even the Cabinet was split. The doctrine of "collective responsibility" was - for this issue, and just for the duration of the referendum campaign - suspended to allow Ministers to participate on either side of the argument. It was hoped that the resounding result would end the party infighting. It was a hope that was not achieved.

There were a number of backbench rebellions over a number of matters - Economic Policy; Foreign and Defence Policy being major issues of division. Labour's William Hamling died in March 1975 - and the subsequent by-election in Woolwich West in June saw a Tory win. Labour now had a majority of just one seat!