Margaret Thatcher papers reveal how she stoked rightwing rebellion

[alp227]

Source: The Guardian

One of Margaret Thatcher's closest allies actively conspired, with her permission, against a key part of her government's legislative programme as part of a war with the cabinet "wets", papers released for the first time show.

Demonstrating just how divided her first cabinet was, the 1980 papers reveal how Thatcher's private secretary, the backbench MP Ian Gow, was active in fomenting rightwing MPs' opposition to a bill devised by the employment secretary, Jim Prior, to limit but not ban secondary strike action by trade unions. The right wanted much tougher legislation.

Acting in collaboration with the solicitor general, Sir Ian Percival, Gow actively encouraged rebellion, keeping the prime minister briefed on what he was doing against a key part of her legislative programme. Prior threatened in cabinet to resign; had Gow's role become public, it would have rocked the Conservative government.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/mar/19/margaret-thatcher-papers-rightwing-rebellion

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

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[formercia]

2. Another useful tool of the PTB

The visible face of the Oligarchs.

[Name removed]

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[mulsh]

3. Elvis Costello speaks for me "Tramp the Dirt Down"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-BZIWSI5UQ

[underpants]

4. Dear Thatcher.... (classic Young Ones)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD_uWAKo6xM

RICK: Well, I'm going to tell Thatcher that we've got a bomb. And if she doesn't do something to help "the kids" by this afternoon, we're going to blow up England.

MIKE: Rick, a social conscience is like a garden shed. If you try to eat it, it will stick in your throat!

RICK: Point one: Abolish poverty! Point Two: Abolish capitalism. Point Three: Dexy's Midnight Runners playing free, daily, in the University library!

[JanDutchy]

5. Barack Obama: I Believe In Unions and You deserve better - join a union

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ3ibE6LtEE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnYDzJkXXVM

[bemildred]

6. "Pay no attention to the little man behind the curtain." nt