In Place of Strife
- Thread starter President_Gore
- Start date
"So, I hope you settled in well" said Roy Jenkins, he motioned to a fabric couch opposite the fire place smothered with a brown and red blanket and some red satin pillows adorning it. The new German Chancellor sat in the middle of the sofa and settled into it.
"Drink?" offered the Prime Minister, he moved to the drinks cabinet on the other side of the study next to his desk.
"Yes, a whisky would do me good for all the jetlag" replied Brandt. After about two minutes, Jenkins returned to the couch with two whisky glasses and handed one to Brandt who muttered a word of thanks. Seating himself in the leather armchair next to the fire and facing Brandt, Jenkins began his intended topic of discussion
"Now, Willy. Over the past few months I have made a large effort to introduce the space program to Britain and I feel that we can begin a stage of collaboration between our two nations by joining forces with a European program of space exploration, I want to rival the US and USSR."
Brandt listened to it and considered,
"How much would it cost?" he finally said, Jenkins sipped his whisky and said
"It would be around 10 billion for each nation by 1979, co-operatively the French, British, German, Finnish, Dutch, Swedish, Spanish and Italians could have a fully developed European Space Council by 1980, with room for more members. A real hallmarked achievement". The idea appealed to Brandt, not only would it help German industry and the economy, it would help heal the divides over the World War.
"Roy, I would be inclined to accept" were Brandt's words
_________________________________________________________________
Richard Nixon making his "Silent Majority" speech rallying support for the Vietnam War, 3rd November 1969
Support for the war plummets after the exposure of the My Lai Massacre by a US Army unit, exposed by journalist Seymour Hersh, 12th November 1969
_________________________________________________________________
Cabinet Secretary's Minutes
Weekly Cabinet Meeting
Tuesday 18th November 1969
Prime Minister (RJ) - Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, there are two items on the Cabinet agenda; the situation in Vietnam and the discussion about Anglo-American relations. Firstly, the Secretary of State for Defence has a briefing on the military situation in Vietnam, Denis could you please begin?
SoS for Defence (DH) - Good morning, while we have no manpower or equipment in the war itself, just our international support I can give a full briefing on the military situation of both sides. Now since President Nixon took office in January, the war has seen minor US troops withdrawals, not moving above 5,000 and negotiations with the the other side. In his speech, he appealed for the so-called silent majority to support him but levels of support for the war are falling
SoS for Home Department (BC) - No doubt due to the failure to keep his campaign promise.
DH - Undoubtedly so, Barbara
SoS for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (MS) - Denis, if I could also make a statement here?
DH - Of course, Michael
MS - Thank you, now I've been speaking to Rogers over at the State Department and he's given me a brief that basically stipulates that the administration want to end the war quickly but will do anything to protect their interests
DH - In concur, my briefing says that the US Army are using wholly provocative and violent measures to achieve there goals. Which must bring our question of support into view
M for OD (RP) - It is doing no end of damage to our policies in Africa and Asia, the cause of trust is being broken down.
BC - I agree, we cannot jeopardize our foreign relations for the sake of one nation
DH - It is the United States
SoS for Administrative Affairs (JC) - Surely we can compromise, review the Vietnam policy and still support their other policies
RP - I agree with Jim
RJ - Well, perhaps I shall have to raise that point with the President on his state visit in January
JC - We have to be careful Roy, election's not too far off
RJ - Don't worry Jim, I'll deal with Nixon. Now, to other business...
"Drink?" offered the Prime Minister, he moved to the drinks cabinet on the other side of the study next to his desk.
"Yes, a whisky would do me good for all the jetlag" replied Brandt. After about two minutes, Jenkins returned to the couch with two whisky glasses and handed one to Brandt who muttered a word of thanks. Seating himself in the leather armchair next to the fire and facing Brandt, Jenkins began his intended topic of discussion
"Now, Willy. Over the past few months I have made a large effort to introduce the space program to Britain and I feel that we can begin a stage of collaboration between our two nations by joining forces with a European program of space exploration, I want to rival the US and USSR."
Brandt listened to it and considered,
"How much would it cost?" he finally said, Jenkins sipped his whisky and said
"It would be around 10 billion for each nation by 1979, co-operatively the French, British, German, Finnish, Dutch, Swedish, Spanish and Italians could have a fully developed European Space Council by 1980, with room for more members. A real hallmarked achievement". The idea appealed to Brandt, not only would it help German industry and the economy, it would help heal the divides over the World War.
"Roy, I would be inclined to accept" were Brandt's words
_________________________________________________________________
Richard Nixon making his "Silent Majority" speech rallying support for the Vietnam War, 3rd November 1969
Support for the war plummets after the exposure of the My Lai Massacre by a US Army unit, exposed by journalist Seymour Hersh, 12th November 1969
_________________________________________________________________
Cabinet Secretary's Minutes
Weekly Cabinet Meeting
Tuesday 18th November 1969
Prime Minister (RJ) - Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, there are two items on the Cabinet agenda; the situation in Vietnam and the discussion about Anglo-American relations. Firstly, the Secretary of State for Defence has a briefing on the military situation in Vietnam, Denis could you please begin?
SoS for Defence (DH) - Good morning, while we have no manpower or equipment in the war itself, just our international support I can give a full briefing on the military situation of both sides. Now since President Nixon took office in January, the war has seen minor US troops withdrawals, not moving above 5,000 and negotiations with the the other side. In his speech, he appealed for the so-called silent majority to support him but levels of support for the war are falling
SoS for Home Department (BC) - No doubt due to the failure to keep his campaign promise.
DH - Undoubtedly so, Barbara
SoS for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (MS) - Denis, if I could also make a statement here?
DH - Of course, Michael
MS - Thank you, now I've been speaking to Rogers over at the State Department and he's given me a brief that basically stipulates that the administration want to end the war quickly but will do anything to protect their interests
DH - In concur, my briefing says that the US Army are using wholly provocative and violent measures to achieve there goals. Which must bring our question of support into view
M for OD (RP) - It is doing no end of damage to our policies in Africa and Asia, the cause of trust is being broken down.
BC - I agree, we cannot jeopardize our foreign relations for the sake of one nation
DH - It is the United States
SoS for Administrative Affairs (JC) - Surely we can compromise, review the Vietnam policy and still support their other policies
RP - I agree with Jim
RJ - Well, perhaps I shall have to raise that point with the President on his state visit in January
JC - We have to be careful Roy, election's not too far off
RJ - Don't worry Jim, I'll deal with Nixon. Now, to other business...
Poll Numbers
The Times
December 1969
Labour - 42%
Conservative - 30%
Liberal - 9%
SNP - 5%
Plaid Cymru - 4%
Ulster Unionist - 3%
New Ulster Movement - 3%
Democratic Unionist - 2%
Sinn Fein - 2%
Labour Lead of 12 points
Result at a General Election: Labour Majority of 103
_________________________________________________________________
It's crunch time now for Ted, we've held back long enough for his sake, for the sake of the party; with Labour's economic problems and the leadership strife they encountered early this year there was a good chance we could be returned to power but it's now the same old story; each Tuesday and Thursday Jenkins outwits Ted at PMQ's, Ted can't present any new policies, it's as if he doesn't want to be Prime Minister. People like Quintin Hogg and Alec Douglas-Home think that the election will be called for October 1970, but many of us know Roy Jenkins and I believe it will be called for May to coincide with his one year anniversary as Prime Minister.
As Ted is no use to the party, I now have to step up and do something, I'm leading against Judith Hart on Thursday's Housing debate which I hope can convince people to take some initiave against the Government.
- Extract from the Diaries of Margaret Thatcher
_________________________________________________________________
Margaret Thatcher leading the Housing debate against Judith Hart, where she managed to fluster the Government over housing rental agreements
THATCHER PUBLICLY QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT'S RENT PRICE AGREEMENTS
- Headline of the Times, 14th December 1969
_________________________________________________________________
The Times
December 1969
Labour - 42%
Conservative - 30%
Liberal - 9%
SNP - 5%
Plaid Cymru - 4%
Ulster Unionist - 3%
New Ulster Movement - 3%
Democratic Unionist - 2%
Sinn Fein - 2%
Labour Lead of 12 points
Result at a General Election: Labour Majority of 103
_________________________________________________________________
It's crunch time now for Ted, we've held back long enough for his sake, for the sake of the party; with Labour's economic problems and the leadership strife they encountered early this year there was a good chance we could be returned to power but it's now the same old story; each Tuesday and Thursday Jenkins outwits Ted at PMQ's, Ted can't present any new policies, it's as if he doesn't want to be Prime Minister. People like Quintin Hogg and Alec Douglas-Home think that the election will be called for October 1970, but many of us know Roy Jenkins and I believe it will be called for May to coincide with his one year anniversary as Prime Minister.
As Ted is no use to the party, I now have to step up and do something, I'm leading against Judith Hart on Thursday's Housing debate which I hope can convince people to take some initiave against the Government.
- Extract from the Diaries of Margaret Thatcher
_________________________________________________________________
Margaret Thatcher leading the Housing debate against Judith Hart, where she managed to fluster the Government over housing rental agreements
THATCHER PUBLICLY QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT'S RENT PRICE AGREEMENTS
- Headline of the Times, 14th December 1969
_________________________________________________________________
Tovarich
Banned
Because he was an opportunistic bastid!
Just not a very perceptive one, same reason he didn't call the election in '78 OTL.
(Thande has expressed the reality of Callaghan's motives far more eloquently than I, but essentially the same point!)
I do so hope this TL will eventually have Barbara Castle as the UK's first woman PM, and Thatcher fading to as obscure a figure as Mark Carlisle (something I have often dreamed of, but have not the skill to write a TL about.)
The Run-Up to the 1970 General Election
Roy was intensely serious about his election plans, in the first week of January he said to me, "Richard; I plan to go to the country in May to seek a new mandate, from now until mid-May we must be hitting the press with good news, I want major announcements each week. How many do we have?", sitting across from him at the Cabinet table I quickly did a calculation rounding out the various days in the four months until the election. "About seventeen weeks" I said, Roy sat back and mused "Then find me seventeen new policy ideas" he said, Roy could often be like this, demanding yet whimsical. I said "That may be difficult Roy", he looked at me and replied "Well find five ideas and dress them up in different ways for the next four months, dear boy. You have much to learn Richard." I carry that with me today
While Roy was only 49, I couldn't see him serve through another Parliament and I predicted at the time he would not fight another general election as Prime Minister. His problem was that while he knew the political game and played it well, he was too much of a loose cannon, especially on Europe. I knew at some point he'd flip and resign in protest. That would leave Benn, Castle and Callaghan were the one's likely to succeed him, they were all playing prominent roles in the campaign. Personally, I thought Castle would be the successor and she'd certainly make the reforms but I question her ability to lead a party without splitting it.
- Extract from "The Prime Minister's Ear", a telling memoir by political advisor Richard Wilson
_________________________________________________________________
The Times Headlines from January to March 1970, detailing government and opposition policy announcements
GOVT TO INTRODUCE WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE FOR THE ELDERLY
- January 18th 1970
PM PLEDGES LABOUR WILL FIGHT FOR WORKING CLASSES, OFFERS BENEFIT INCREASES
- February 2nd 1970
GOVT TO PURSUE PEACE WITH US AND SOVIETS, FOREIGN SECRETARY EASES COLD WAR CONCERNS
- February 14th 1970
HOME SECRETARY CASTLE ANNOUNCES 10 NEW PRISONS TO EASE PRISON OVERPOPULATION
- February 26th 1970
HEATH APPEALS TO MIDDLE CLASSES WITH TOUGH UNION POLICY
- March 8th 1970
PRIME MINISTER BRINGS SPACE PROGRAM FORWARD BY SIX MONTHS
- March 15th 1970
OPPOSITION PRESENT PLANS FOR VAST HEALTH REFORMS
- March 28th 1970
_________________________________________________________________
"I have just spoken with Her Majesty the Queen and she has graciously given permission for a dissolution of Parliament in preparation for a general election to be held on Thursday the 7th of May. This Government will fight for the people at this election and we will reform this country."
- Roy Jenkins speaking outside Downing Street, April 8th 1970
Roy was intensely serious about his election plans, in the first week of January he said to me, "Richard; I plan to go to the country in May to seek a new mandate, from now until mid-May we must be hitting the press with good news, I want major announcements each week. How many do we have?", sitting across from him at the Cabinet table I quickly did a calculation rounding out the various days in the four months until the election. "About seventeen weeks" I said, Roy sat back and mused "Then find me seventeen new policy ideas" he said, Roy could often be like this, demanding yet whimsical. I said "That may be difficult Roy", he looked at me and replied "Well find five ideas and dress them up in different ways for the next four months, dear boy. You have much to learn Richard." I carry that with me today
While Roy was only 49, I couldn't see him serve through another Parliament and I predicted at the time he would not fight another general election as Prime Minister. His problem was that while he knew the political game and played it well, he was too much of a loose cannon, especially on Europe. I knew at some point he'd flip and resign in protest. That would leave Benn, Castle and Callaghan were the one's likely to succeed him, they were all playing prominent roles in the campaign. Personally, I thought Castle would be the successor and she'd certainly make the reforms but I question her ability to lead a party without splitting it.
- Extract from "The Prime Minister's Ear", a telling memoir by political advisor Richard Wilson
_________________________________________________________________
The Times Headlines from January to March 1970, detailing government and opposition policy announcements
GOVT TO INTRODUCE WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE FOR THE ELDERLY
- January 18th 1970
PM PLEDGES LABOUR WILL FIGHT FOR WORKING CLASSES, OFFERS BENEFIT INCREASES
- February 2nd 1970
GOVT TO PURSUE PEACE WITH US AND SOVIETS, FOREIGN SECRETARY EASES COLD WAR CONCERNS
- February 14th 1970
HOME SECRETARY CASTLE ANNOUNCES 10 NEW PRISONS TO EASE PRISON OVERPOPULATION
- February 26th 1970
HEATH APPEALS TO MIDDLE CLASSES WITH TOUGH UNION POLICY
- March 8th 1970
PRIME MINISTER BRINGS SPACE PROGRAM FORWARD BY SIX MONTHS
- March 15th 1970
OPPOSITION PRESENT PLANS FOR VAST HEALTH REFORMS
- March 28th 1970
_________________________________________________________________
"I have just spoken with Her Majesty the Queen and she has graciously given permission for a dissolution of Parliament in preparation for a general election to be held on Thursday the 7th of May. This Government will fight for the people at this election and we will reform this country."
- Roy Jenkins speaking outside Downing Street, April 8th 1970
The 1970 UK General Election Campaign
The Leaders
Roy Jenkins
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party
MP for Birmingham Stechford
Edward Heath
Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party
MP for Bexley
Jeremy Thorpe
Leader of the Liberal Party
MP for North Devon
The Issues
Economy - The economy has been struggling as of late, despite mild austerity measures being introduced by the government, the pound has been struggling on the markets and borrowing threatens to reach an all-time high. Labour advocates saving taxes for the working classes and taxing the rich while spending on reform with efficiency, the Conservatives are for reduced spending and measures to reduce tax on the middle classes. The Liberals want lower taxes and some areas of spending completely abolished in line with their domestic policies.
Health - All the parties are committed to the NHS, but disagree on the ways to fund it. Labour wants to increase spending on medical services while the Conservatives advocate cutting down on non-necessary projects and increasing research while the Liberals will give money to more patient care. GP's will be rewarded for actions with pay increases under a Liberal regime
Immigration - Labour advocates a fair integration policy, after the Enoch Powell debacle the Conservatives have kept quiet but advocate free rights. The Liberals hold a similar policy to Labour
Education - All parties want to increase education spending and have committed funds in their economic plans to this avail
Leader's Campaign Events
Week One (8th to 13th of April 1970) - Roy Jenkins campaigned in the North-East moving around Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Durham, Ted Heath campaigned in East Anglia moving around Norfolk, Suffolk and Peterbrough. Jeremy Thorpe campaigned in Brighton and Portsmouth
Week Two (13th to 20th of April 1970) - Roy Jenkins campaigned in Scotland moving around Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Ted Heath campaigned around London while Jeremy Thorpe campaigned in Wales moving around Cardiff and Swansea
Week Three (20th to 27th of April 1970) - Roy Jenkins campaigned in the Midlands moving around Birmingham, Coventry and Dudley while Ted Heath campaigned in the South moving around Brighton, Bournemouth, Poole and Portsmouth. Jeremy Thorpe campaigned in the Midlands as well moving around Birmingham
Week Four (27th of April to 4th of May 1970) - Roy Jenkins campaigned in the North West moving around Manchester and Liverpool before moving to London, Ted Heath moved around Leicester, Derby, Lincoln and Nottingham while Jeremy Thorpe moved to East Anglia where he campaigned in Norfolk and Suffolk
Week Five (4th to 6th of May 1970) - In the final days, Roy Jenkins campaigned in the East Midlands while Heath campaigned in the South West and East with Thorpe campaigning in Scotland.
Result
BBC Election Coverage: And it's coming up to ten o'clock and here is our official prediction via our exit poll (pause as Big Ben chimes) And here we are, we're saying the Labour Government will be re-elected but with a reduced majority of 59, down 37 seats from 96 attained in the 1966 general election. Roy Jenkins will remain as the occupant of Number 10 for the foreseeable future.
The Leaders
Roy Jenkins
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party
MP for Birmingham Stechford
Edward Heath
Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party
MP for Bexley
Jeremy Thorpe
Leader of the Liberal Party
MP for North Devon
The Issues
Economy - The economy has been struggling as of late, despite mild austerity measures being introduced by the government, the pound has been struggling on the markets and borrowing threatens to reach an all-time high. Labour advocates saving taxes for the working classes and taxing the rich while spending on reform with efficiency, the Conservatives are for reduced spending and measures to reduce tax on the middle classes. The Liberals want lower taxes and some areas of spending completely abolished in line with their domestic policies.
Health - All the parties are committed to the NHS, but disagree on the ways to fund it. Labour wants to increase spending on medical services while the Conservatives advocate cutting down on non-necessary projects and increasing research while the Liberals will give money to more patient care. GP's will be rewarded for actions with pay increases under a Liberal regime
Immigration - Labour advocates a fair integration policy, after the Enoch Powell debacle the Conservatives have kept quiet but advocate free rights. The Liberals hold a similar policy to Labour
Education - All parties want to increase education spending and have committed funds in their economic plans to this avail
Leader's Campaign Events
Week One (8th to 13th of April 1970) - Roy Jenkins campaigned in the North-East moving around Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Durham, Ted Heath campaigned in East Anglia moving around Norfolk, Suffolk and Peterbrough. Jeremy Thorpe campaigned in Brighton and Portsmouth
Week Two (13th to 20th of April 1970) - Roy Jenkins campaigned in Scotland moving around Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Ted Heath campaigned around London while Jeremy Thorpe campaigned in Wales moving around Cardiff and Swansea
Week Three (20th to 27th of April 1970) - Roy Jenkins campaigned in the Midlands moving around Birmingham, Coventry and Dudley while Ted Heath campaigned in the South moving around Brighton, Bournemouth, Poole and Portsmouth. Jeremy Thorpe campaigned in the Midlands as well moving around Birmingham
Week Four (27th of April to 4th of May 1970) - Roy Jenkins campaigned in the North West moving around Manchester and Liverpool before moving to London, Ted Heath moved around Leicester, Derby, Lincoln and Nottingham while Jeremy Thorpe moved to East Anglia where he campaigned in Norfolk and Suffolk
Week Five (4th to 6th of May 1970) - In the final days, Roy Jenkins campaigned in the East Midlands while Heath campaigned in the South West and East with Thorpe campaigning in Scotland.
Result
BBC Election Coverage: And it's coming up to ten o'clock and here is our official prediction via our exit poll (pause as Big Ben chimes) And here we are, we're saying the Labour Government will be re-elected but with a reduced majority of 59, down 37 seats from 96 attained in the 1966 general election. Roy Jenkins will remain as the occupant of Number 10 for the foreseeable future.
Seat Totals
Labour - 327
Conservative - 274
Liberal - 21
SNP - 5
Plaid Cymru - 2
Labour Majority of 59
________________________________________________________________
Ted Heath resigns as Conservative Leader in wake of second election defeat
- 9th May 1970
"In the end I was thankful the election turned out how it did, I privately thought we needed a defeat in order to get rid of Ted who while he had campaigned heavily, he had not done enough to formulate new policy ideas in the months running up to the election. That being said, the new Leadership contenders are taking form; Reginald Maudling is the frontrunner with Willie Whitelaw and Iain Macleod as close rivals, I don't think anybody else will stand and it shall be difficult to establish such a close three way race"
- Extract from the Diaries of Margaret Thatcher
_________________________________________________________________
The Jenkins Ministry
Cabinet Reshuffle
11th May 1970
The Conservative Leadership Election, 1970
Iain Macleod
Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
MP for Enfield West
Reginald Maudling
Deputy Leader and Shadow Home Secretary
MP for Barnet
William Whitelaw
Opposition Chief Whip
MP for Penrith and the Border
First Ballot
17th May 1970
Reginald Maudling - 103
Iain Macleod - 93
William Whitelaw - 78
No Candidate has obtained a majority, therefore the lowest ranked candidate, William Whitelaw is eliminated. A second ballot shall go ahead for 24th of May 1970
"I ask all of my supporters to endorse Reginald Maudling for the Leadership" - William Whitelaw, 19th May 1970
Second Ballot
24th May 1970
Reginald Maudling - 145
Iain Macleod - 129
Reginald Maudling has obtained a majority and is therefore duly elected Leader of the Conservative Party
Labour - 327
Conservative - 274
Liberal - 21
SNP - 5
Plaid Cymru - 2
Labour Majority of 59
________________________________________________________________
Ted Heath resigns as Conservative Leader in wake of second election defeat
- 9th May 1970
"In the end I was thankful the election turned out how it did, I privately thought we needed a defeat in order to get rid of Ted who while he had campaigned heavily, he had not done enough to formulate new policy ideas in the months running up to the election. That being said, the new Leadership contenders are taking form; Reginald Maudling is the frontrunner with Willie Whitelaw and Iain Macleod as close rivals, I don't think anybody else will stand and it shall be difficult to establish such a close three way race"
- Extract from the Diaries of Margaret Thatcher
_________________________________________________________________
The Jenkins Ministry
Cabinet Reshuffle
11th May 1970
_________________________________________________________________
The Conservative Leadership Election, 1970
Iain Macleod
Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
MP for Enfield West
Reginald Maudling
Deputy Leader and Shadow Home Secretary
MP for Barnet
William Whitelaw
Opposition Chief Whip
MP for Penrith and the Border
First Ballot
17th May 1970
Reginald Maudling - 103
Iain Macleod - 93
William Whitelaw - 78
No Candidate has obtained a majority, therefore the lowest ranked candidate, William Whitelaw is eliminated. A second ballot shall go ahead for 24th of May 1970
"I ask all of my supporters to endorse Reginald Maudling for the Leadership" - William Whitelaw, 19th May 1970
Second Ballot
24th May 1970
Reginald Maudling - 145
Iain Macleod - 129
Reginald Maudling has obtained a majority and is therefore duly elected Leader of the Conservative Party
Booooo! I'd wanted to see a Heath win! Sure, it's pretty samey from 1970 to 1974 but then we could've seen any of:
1. Heath win in 1974?
2. Jenkins returned perhaps?
3. Callaghan win?
4. Other (Labour) win? (Castle? Crossland? Benn? Healey?)
I would've thought, even if Heath does stand down that Powell would run... and if he did, we could well see What if Gordon Banks had played?
1. Heath win in 1974?
2. Jenkins returned perhaps?
3. Callaghan win?
4. Other (Labour) win? (Castle? Crossland? Benn? Healey?)
I would've thought, even if Heath does stand down that Powell would run... and if he did, we could well see What if Gordon Banks had played?
The race is on - Jenkins and Maudling go head to head in Commons battle's
2nd July 1970
It's been a lacklustre year for the Prime Minister, yes he has won the general election but with a reduced parliamentary majority. This time last year, he was running high in the polls with a likely increased majority but some of his dubious decisions throughout the early months of 1970 including being hounded by the press for his alleged hostility to the upper classes with deemed unfair tax plans against them and leaks relating to government failures on defence management and policy, some sources said it was leaked by the Secretary of State for Administrative Affairs, James Callaghan in an attempt to undermine the Prime Minister but that has so far been unfounded. Not to mention the defending champions of the World Cup were knocked out on the day after the Prime Minister made his first speech after the election.
The Conservatives lost the election, but made significant gains into Labour's strongholds in Scotland and the South West. Also with Ted Heath's resignation, the Conservatives have re-invigorated themselves as the party of the middle classes with Reginald Maudling, the former RAF intelligence specialist who was a voice for modernization in the aftermath of the 1945 election within Conservative ranks. Roy Jenkins has been completely undermined by Maudling's occasional Prime Minister's Questions habit of agreeing with him and Maudling's style has infuriated Labour ranks. Not to mention, Shadow Chancellor Iain Macleod back from a five week hospital period following an appendicitis operation has hit the ground running by promising levy on the middle classes and calling for fair taxes. Maudling's team rivals that of Jenkins'.
Shadow Employment Secretary Margaret Thatcher's sparring battle's with Employment Secretary Tony Benn attract great audiences from MP's while Barbara Castle and William Whitelaw have spent the past few weeks trading insults in the press and Parliament relating to Home Office policy. Macleod completely outfoxes Peter Shore, increasing rumours that Castle will become the first female Chancellor in this respect.
_________________________________________________________________
A pensive looking Roy Jenkins pictured in July 1970, finding himself in a crisis of leadership following a well conducted "stitch-up" by the Conservative opposition
_________________________________________________________________
Poll Numbers
The Times
August 1970
Labour - 38%
Conservative - 34%
Liberal - 11%
SNP - 4%
Plaid Cymru - 4%
Ulster Unionist - 4%
New Ulster Movement - 3%
Democratic Unionist - 2%
Sinn Fein - 2%
Labour Lead of 4 points
Result at a General Election: Labour Majority of 9
_________________________________________________________________
PRIME MINISTER INVITES US PRESIDENT TO BRITAIN
- The Times Headline, 19th August 1970
Nixon arriving in Britain from France abroad a Concorde, his visit comes as Roy Jenkins seeks to bolster his foreign policy credentials and put an end to questions on his leadership
_________________________________________________________________
Next Time - The Nixon Visit, Maudling in Scandal and a Labour crisis
2nd July 1970
It's been a lacklustre year for the Prime Minister, yes he has won the general election but with a reduced parliamentary majority. This time last year, he was running high in the polls with a likely increased majority but some of his dubious decisions throughout the early months of 1970 including being hounded by the press for his alleged hostility to the upper classes with deemed unfair tax plans against them and leaks relating to government failures on defence management and policy, some sources said it was leaked by the Secretary of State for Administrative Affairs, James Callaghan in an attempt to undermine the Prime Minister but that has so far been unfounded. Not to mention the defending champions of the World Cup were knocked out on the day after the Prime Minister made his first speech after the election.
The Conservatives lost the election, but made significant gains into Labour's strongholds in Scotland and the South West. Also with Ted Heath's resignation, the Conservatives have re-invigorated themselves as the party of the middle classes with Reginald Maudling, the former RAF intelligence specialist who was a voice for modernization in the aftermath of the 1945 election within Conservative ranks. Roy Jenkins has been completely undermined by Maudling's occasional Prime Minister's Questions habit of agreeing with him and Maudling's style has infuriated Labour ranks. Not to mention, Shadow Chancellor Iain Macleod back from a five week hospital period following an appendicitis operation has hit the ground running by promising levy on the middle classes and calling for fair taxes. Maudling's team rivals that of Jenkins'.
Shadow Employment Secretary Margaret Thatcher's sparring battle's with Employment Secretary Tony Benn attract great audiences from MP's while Barbara Castle and William Whitelaw have spent the past few weeks trading insults in the press and Parliament relating to Home Office policy. Macleod completely outfoxes Peter Shore, increasing rumours that Castle will become the first female Chancellor in this respect.
_________________________________________________________________
A pensive looking Roy Jenkins pictured in July 1970, finding himself in a crisis of leadership following a well conducted "stitch-up" by the Conservative opposition
_________________________________________________________________
Poll Numbers
The Times
August 1970
Labour - 38%
Conservative - 34%
Liberal - 11%
SNP - 4%
Plaid Cymru - 4%
Ulster Unionist - 4%
New Ulster Movement - 3%
Democratic Unionist - 2%
Sinn Fein - 2%
Labour Lead of 4 points
Result at a General Election: Labour Majority of 9
_________________________________________________________________
PRIME MINISTER INVITES US PRESIDENT TO BRITAIN
- The Times Headline, 19th August 1970
Nixon arriving in Britain from France abroad a Concorde, his visit comes as Roy Jenkins seeks to bolster his foreign policy credentials and put an end to questions on his leadership
_________________________________________________________________
Next Time - The Nixon Visit, Maudling in Scandal and a Labour crisis
NIXON AND JENKINS TO DISCUSS CHINA
- Headline of the Times, 20th August 1970
"Just what we need, a bit of foreign policy junk to boost our ratings" - Offhand comment made by Jim Callaghan, DAA Secretary recorded in the diaries of Richard Wilson
Presidential Itinerary, 20th August 1970
7.00 am - Wake, bathe and dress, go to breakfast
8.00am - Finish breakfast, leave the embassy for the Houses of Parliament
8.45am - Arrive at Parliament, meet PM and FCS
9.30am - Finish meeting parliamentary delegations, depart with PM&FCS for Downing Street
9.45am - Arrive at Downing Street, meeting about China
11.45am - Break for a luncheon
1.00pm - Return to meeting
2.30pm - Leave Downing Street, visit Buckingham Palace for tea with the Queen and Prince
4.30pm - Leave Buckingham Palace, return to embassy
6.00pm - Finish work and retire for evening
"It all happened rather fast, myself; Nixon, Secretary Rogers and Denis were exiting the Presidential limousine outside of Number 10; there were a whole load of journalists awaiting. Bill Sawyers (ed. PM's Chief of Security), wanted us to go inside for security as did the Secret Service; Nixon wanted to greet them and so we followed. We stood in a group as Nixon talked, complementing me in the process, then there was a collision in the crowd, a journalist fell over, from where I was standing on Nixon's right I could see he'd been pushed. A man, with most terrifying eyes wearing a flatcap, holding a stubby grey revolver leapt forward and shouted "Commie Appeaser!" before firing at Nixon, he flinched as the gun went off, I breathed wretchedly as I knew he'd be dead but a few seconds later, it was not Nixon going down but a Secret Service agent who'd thrown himself in front of the President.
I later learned this agent, Chet Brooke died in hospital and he was gifted the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. As Agent Brooke went down, I felt a hand pull my shirt collar and I was twisted around by Bill Sawyers and hurtled towards the front door of Number 10. I remember getting safely into the lobby, despite hearing more gunshots. Nixon came through the door second after among a bundle of Agent's. Little did I realise at the time but Denis Healey was missing, for as I'd found out later he too had been struck by a bullet and he later died in hospital with Agent Brooke. I was at a loss, he'd been such a great man and politician and his career as Foreign Secretary, cut to a mere three months had been short lived and lamentable.
The assassin, one George Fyson had been a disgruntled American union worker who'd followed the President to Britain angry at the steps being made towards China, he was imprisoned for life when he was extradited back to the US. Of course, the meeting was postponed and Nixon was back in the White House that evening. Meanwhile Britain mourned the loss of it's Foreign Secretary. The next morning, after some decision I announced to the press that Peter Shore would assume the role of Foreign Secretary with Bill Rodgers moving to Number 11 with David Owen as Chief Secretary, Shirley Williams would replace him at the DAA. But that was the start of my troubles...
- Extract from "Right Man, Wrong Time", the memoir of Roy Jenkins
Denis Healey (1917 - 1970)
Member of Parliament for Leeds South East (1952 - 1955)
Member of Parliament for Leeds East (1955 - 1970)
Foreign Secretary (1970)
Defence Secretary (1964 - 1970)
________________________________________________________________
The Jenkins Ministry
Cabinet Reshuffle
21st August 1970
BY-ELECTION FOR HEALEY'S SEAT REFERENDUM ON JENKINS POLICY
- Headline of the Times, 29th August 1970
Leeds East By-Election, 2nd October 1970
FK Jones (Labour) - 30,009
J Miller (Conservative) - 19,983
J Bellamy (Communist) - 493
Electorate: 76,603
Turnout: 70%
Majority: 10,026 - Lab Hold
JENKINS PULLS THROUGH WITH INCREASED MAJORITY, MANY ASK WHY MAUDLING ISN'T PERFORMING
- Headline of the Times, 3rd October 1970
- Headline of the Times, 20th August 1970
"Just what we need, a bit of foreign policy junk to boost our ratings" - Offhand comment made by Jim Callaghan, DAA Secretary recorded in the diaries of Richard Wilson
Presidential Itinerary, 20th August 1970
7.00 am - Wake, bathe and dress, go to breakfast
8.00am - Finish breakfast, leave the embassy for the Houses of Parliament
8.45am - Arrive at Parliament, meet PM and FCS
9.30am - Finish meeting parliamentary delegations, depart with PM&FCS for Downing Street
9.45am - Arrive at Downing Street, meeting about China
11.45am - Break for a luncheon
1.00pm - Return to meeting
2.30pm - Leave Downing Street, visit Buckingham Palace for tea with the Queen and Prince
4.30pm - Leave Buckingham Palace, return to embassy
6.00pm - Finish work and retire for evening
"It all happened rather fast, myself; Nixon, Secretary Rogers and Denis were exiting the Presidential limousine outside of Number 10; there were a whole load of journalists awaiting. Bill Sawyers (ed. PM's Chief of Security), wanted us to go inside for security as did the Secret Service; Nixon wanted to greet them and so we followed. We stood in a group as Nixon talked, complementing me in the process, then there was a collision in the crowd, a journalist fell over, from where I was standing on Nixon's right I could see he'd been pushed. A man, with most terrifying eyes wearing a flatcap, holding a stubby grey revolver leapt forward and shouted "Commie Appeaser!" before firing at Nixon, he flinched as the gun went off, I breathed wretchedly as I knew he'd be dead but a few seconds later, it was not Nixon going down but a Secret Service agent who'd thrown himself in front of the President.
I later learned this agent, Chet Brooke died in hospital and he was gifted the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. As Agent Brooke went down, I felt a hand pull my shirt collar and I was twisted around by Bill Sawyers and hurtled towards the front door of Number 10. I remember getting safely into the lobby, despite hearing more gunshots. Nixon came through the door second after among a bundle of Agent's. Little did I realise at the time but Denis Healey was missing, for as I'd found out later he too had been struck by a bullet and he later died in hospital with Agent Brooke. I was at a loss, he'd been such a great man and politician and his career as Foreign Secretary, cut to a mere three months had been short lived and lamentable.
The assassin, one George Fyson had been a disgruntled American union worker who'd followed the President to Britain angry at the steps being made towards China, he was imprisoned for life when he was extradited back to the US. Of course, the meeting was postponed and Nixon was back in the White House that evening. Meanwhile Britain mourned the loss of it's Foreign Secretary. The next morning, after some decision I announced to the press that Peter Shore would assume the role of Foreign Secretary with Bill Rodgers moving to Number 11 with David Owen as Chief Secretary, Shirley Williams would replace him at the DAA. But that was the start of my troubles...
- Extract from "Right Man, Wrong Time", the memoir of Roy Jenkins
Denis Healey (1917 - 1970)
Member of Parliament for Leeds South East (1952 - 1955)
Member of Parliament for Leeds East (1955 - 1970)
Foreign Secretary (1970)
Defence Secretary (1964 - 1970)
________________________________________________________________
The Jenkins Ministry
Cabinet Reshuffle
21st August 1970
_________________________________________________________________
BY-ELECTION FOR HEALEY'S SEAT REFERENDUM ON JENKINS POLICY
- Headline of the Times, 29th August 1970
Leeds East By-Election, 2nd October 1970
FK Jones (Labour) - 30,009
J Miller (Conservative) - 19,983
J Bellamy (Communist) - 493
Electorate: 76,603
Turnout: 70%
Majority: 10,026 - Lab Hold
JENKINS PULLS THROUGH WITH INCREASED MAJORITY, MANY ASK WHY MAUDLING ISN'T PERFORMING
- Headline of the Times, 3rd October 1970
I'm guessing this is when the Tories realise that they are supposed to be right wing.
1971 - Stalemate
February 4th 1971 - Rolls Royce goes bankrupt despite government attempts to save it via a private deal, Tony Benn announces in the House of Commons that Rolls Royce has been nationalised. Prime Minister Jenkins persuades the Royal Family to continue using the car to demonstrate confidence.
February 11th 1971 - Roy Jenkins signs the Seabed Treaty which outlaws nuclear weapons on the seabed floor
February 15th 1971 - The UK and Ireland switch to decimal currency; the Chancellor urges for calm and patience with the new measure
March 7th 1971 - The grueling 47 day postal strike in Britain ends thanks to a deal struck between General Secretary Tom Jackson and President of the Board of Trade John Diamond guaranteeing better conditions for the workers.
Roy Jenkins working on the gold ownership legislation in the Cabinet Room, March 1971
April 1st 1971 - The Government lifts all restrictions on gold ownership
April 6th 1971 - The economic climate appears to be improving but unemployment is still high; Tony Benn and Margaret Thatcher debate in the House of Commons on the issue with the Opposition condemning the government for their inaction.
April 23rd 1971 - Roy Jenkins defies American pressure to involve the UK in Vietnam during a visit to Washington; the first since the attempted assassination of Richard Nixon in August 1970.
May 2nd 1971 - At a special ceremony, the Queen and Roy Jenkins lay ground on the site where the QE2 Space Shuttle will be launched in late 1972
May 26th 1971 - Britain begins negotiations for membership of the EEC with member states, the Opposition condemn the move as selling out the British currency
June 4th 1971 - Prime Minister Jenkins and Norwegian Prime Minister Trygve Bratteli sign an agreement regarding oil production and rights within the North Sea pledging a new deal for energy in both nations.
June 20th 1971 - The Foreign Office announces that Soviet space scientist Anatoli Fedoseyev will be granting asylum in the UK
Poll Analysis, January to June 1971
Labour hovered around the 38 to 44% marks with their lowest (38) being in April and their highest (44) being in May; Roy Jenkins remains personally popular and beats Reginald Maudling on preferred PM polls. The Conservatives averaged around the 30 to 36% marks with their lowest (30) being in February against a 41 for Labour and their highest (36) being in April against a 38 for Labour, at that point polls pointed to a hung Parliament but for the first half of 1971 would have given Labour a similar majority between 50 and 70 seats in an election; which is not due until 1975 at the latest.
July 9th 1971 - Northern Ireland Secretary Robert Mellish in conjunction with Defence Secretary Reg Prentice announce a troop increase to 11,000 in Northern Ireland to help combat the IRA; this does not help to ease the situation as tension grows.
July 18th 1971 - EEC negotiations continue; some Cabinet members such as Tony Benn and Judith Hart oppose the measure without a referendum and publicly call for one. The Prime Minister remains silent on the matter
August 9th 1971 - British security forces arrest hundreds of nationalists and detail them without trial in Long Kesh prison; 20 die in riots.
August 11th 1971 - Roy Jenkins appoints former PM Harold Wilson as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland to help resolve the situation; Mr Wilson assumes his role overnight
September 3rd 1971 - Qatar gains independence from Britain; Roy Jenkins sends Board of Trade President John Diamond to Qatar to negotiate over energy and oil rights; a favourable deal is ensured.
September 24th 1971 - Britain expels 90 KGB officials
October 28th 1971 - At a late night vote, The House of Commons votes 356-244 in favour of joining the EEC
October 30th 1971 - In what comes to be known as the Halloween Massacre, Tony Benn leads a walkout of Minister's from the Cabinet over the referendum issue. Along with Benn, Judith Hart, Richard Marsh, Dickson Mabon and Roy Hattersley all resign from the Cabinet.
Benn and his PPS, Leslie Huckfield leaving the Department of Employment and Productivity following his resignation protesting about Roy Jenkins' failure to commit to a referendum on EEC entry on October 30th 1971
The Jenkins Ministry
Cabinet Reshuffle
30th October 1971
November 1st 1971 - The Democratic Unionist Party, led by Reverend Ian Paisley is formed in Northern Ireland
November 18th 1971 - Rumours circulate around Westminster that Tony Benn will challenge Roy Jenkins for the Party Leadership at Christmas
December 3rd 1971 - The Indo and Pakistani War begins as Pakistan attacks 9 Indian airbases
December 4th 1971 - India launches an invasion of East Pakistan
December 16th 1971 - The India and Pakistan conflict ends in ceasefire
December 29th 1971 - Britain gives up it's military bases in Malta
Poll Analysis, July to December 1971
Labour saw a dip in their ratings following public anger about the lack of a referendum on the EEC and the Halloween Massacre; their highest rating was 43% in September after a popular energy deal in Qatar while their lowest was 34% which occured twice; once in August after the Northern Ireland troubles and in October/November after the Halloween Massacre where Tony Benn led a walkout of Cabinet Minister's from the government. For the first time since May 1970; the Conservatives enjoyed a lead in the polls with their highest rating being 40% in November against 34 for the Government and their lowest being 36% in August. Polls pointed to a Conservative plurality in a hung parliament and then to a narrow Conservative majority of between 10 and 30 seats. In preferred PM polls; Roy Jenkins and Reginald Maudling were neck and neck over the period and by December 1971; 34% of Labour voters said they would prefer Tony Benn as Prime Minister with 41% staying with Roy Jenkins; 25% of Labour voters did not express such an opinion.
February 4th 1971 - Rolls Royce goes bankrupt despite government attempts to save it via a private deal, Tony Benn announces in the House of Commons that Rolls Royce has been nationalised. Prime Minister Jenkins persuades the Royal Family to continue using the car to demonstrate confidence.
February 11th 1971 - Roy Jenkins signs the Seabed Treaty which outlaws nuclear weapons on the seabed floor
February 15th 1971 - The UK and Ireland switch to decimal currency; the Chancellor urges for calm and patience with the new measure
March 7th 1971 - The grueling 47 day postal strike in Britain ends thanks to a deal struck between General Secretary Tom Jackson and President of the Board of Trade John Diamond guaranteeing better conditions for the workers.
Roy Jenkins working on the gold ownership legislation in the Cabinet Room, March 1971
April 1st 1971 - The Government lifts all restrictions on gold ownership
April 6th 1971 - The economic climate appears to be improving but unemployment is still high; Tony Benn and Margaret Thatcher debate in the House of Commons on the issue with the Opposition condemning the government for their inaction.
April 23rd 1971 - Roy Jenkins defies American pressure to involve the UK in Vietnam during a visit to Washington; the first since the attempted assassination of Richard Nixon in August 1970.
May 2nd 1971 - At a special ceremony, the Queen and Roy Jenkins lay ground on the site where the QE2 Space Shuttle will be launched in late 1972
May 26th 1971 - Britain begins negotiations for membership of the EEC with member states, the Opposition condemn the move as selling out the British currency
June 4th 1971 - Prime Minister Jenkins and Norwegian Prime Minister Trygve Bratteli sign an agreement regarding oil production and rights within the North Sea pledging a new deal for energy in both nations.
June 20th 1971 - The Foreign Office announces that Soviet space scientist Anatoli Fedoseyev will be granting asylum in the UK
Poll Analysis, January to June 1971
Labour hovered around the 38 to 44% marks with their lowest (38) being in April and their highest (44) being in May; Roy Jenkins remains personally popular and beats Reginald Maudling on preferred PM polls. The Conservatives averaged around the 30 to 36% marks with their lowest (30) being in February against a 41 for Labour and their highest (36) being in April against a 38 for Labour, at that point polls pointed to a hung Parliament but for the first half of 1971 would have given Labour a similar majority between 50 and 70 seats in an election; which is not due until 1975 at the latest.
July 9th 1971 - Northern Ireland Secretary Robert Mellish in conjunction with Defence Secretary Reg Prentice announce a troop increase to 11,000 in Northern Ireland to help combat the IRA; this does not help to ease the situation as tension grows.
July 18th 1971 - EEC negotiations continue; some Cabinet members such as Tony Benn and Judith Hart oppose the measure without a referendum and publicly call for one. The Prime Minister remains silent on the matter
August 9th 1971 - British security forces arrest hundreds of nationalists and detail them without trial in Long Kesh prison; 20 die in riots.
August 11th 1971 - Roy Jenkins appoints former PM Harold Wilson as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland to help resolve the situation; Mr Wilson assumes his role overnight
September 3rd 1971 - Qatar gains independence from Britain; Roy Jenkins sends Board of Trade President John Diamond to Qatar to negotiate over energy and oil rights; a favourable deal is ensured.
September 24th 1971 - Britain expels 90 KGB officials
October 28th 1971 - At a late night vote, The House of Commons votes 356-244 in favour of joining the EEC
October 30th 1971 - In what comes to be known as the Halloween Massacre, Tony Benn leads a walkout of Minister's from the Cabinet over the referendum issue. Along with Benn, Judith Hart, Richard Marsh, Dickson Mabon and Roy Hattersley all resign from the Cabinet.
Benn and his PPS, Leslie Huckfield leaving the Department of Employment and Productivity following his resignation protesting about Roy Jenkins' failure to commit to a referendum on EEC entry on October 30th 1971
The Jenkins Ministry
Cabinet Reshuffle
30th October 1971
November 1st 1971 - The Democratic Unionist Party, led by Reverend Ian Paisley is formed in Northern Ireland
November 18th 1971 - Rumours circulate around Westminster that Tony Benn will challenge Roy Jenkins for the Party Leadership at Christmas
December 3rd 1971 - The Indo and Pakistani War begins as Pakistan attacks 9 Indian airbases
December 4th 1971 - India launches an invasion of East Pakistan
December 16th 1971 - The India and Pakistan conflict ends in ceasefire
December 29th 1971 - Britain gives up it's military bases in Malta
Poll Analysis, July to December 1971
Labour saw a dip in their ratings following public anger about the lack of a referendum on the EEC and the Halloween Massacre; their highest rating was 43% in September after a popular energy deal in Qatar while their lowest was 34% which occured twice; once in August after the Northern Ireland troubles and in October/November after the Halloween Massacre where Tony Benn led a walkout of Cabinet Minister's from the government. For the first time since May 1970; the Conservatives enjoyed a lead in the polls with their highest rating being 40% in November against 34 for the Government and their lowest being 36% in August. Polls pointed to a Conservative plurality in a hung parliament and then to a narrow Conservative majority of between 10 and 30 seats. In preferred PM polls; Roy Jenkins and Reginald Maudling were neck and neck over the period and by December 1971; 34% of Labour voters said they would prefer Tony Benn as Prime Minister with 41% staying with Roy Jenkins; 25% of Labour voters did not express such an opinion.
I'm confused by this 'space shuttle' idea.
If you mean anything that could legimately be called a shuttle - i.e. a winged manned space plane (even if tiny), how the HECK are they going to do it with Britain's finances and on that time frame. OTL, the only 'shuttle' ANY nation has launched has been the US Space Shuttle. (OK, the Buran flew unmanned)
What are they doing
- for a launcher?
- for reentry heat protection?
- for designs?
- for a launching site?
This FEELS ASB.
I know you claim that Britain will be working with Germany and maybe other nations, but look how long the US took to get their shuttle off the ground.
The Brit's rocket tech is no way up to snuff here, either.
If you mean anything that could legimately be called a shuttle - i.e. a winged manned space plane (even if tiny), how the HECK are they going to do it with Britain's finances and on that time frame. OTL, the only 'shuttle' ANY nation has launched has been the US Space Shuttle. (OK, the Buran flew unmanned)
What are they doing
- for a launcher?
- for reentry heat protection?
- for designs?
- for a launching site?
This FEELS ASB.
I know you claim that Britain will be working with Germany and maybe other nations, but look how long the US took to get their shuttle off the ground.
The Brit's rocket tech is no way up to snuff here, either.
The Shuttle idea is a European concept, Britain is playing a heavy hand in it and Roy Jenkins is claiming most of the credit simply because the British announced it first. If you noticed, Anatoli Fedoseyev the former Soviet space scientist was amitted asylum in Brtiain; the Foreign Office believe that Fedoseyev has the appropriate Soviet secrets and knowledge to kick off the EU bid.
As for your points; the EU are in effect copying the US shuttle procedures after much study and spying from their side; the launch site is in Switzerland (where the CERN facility is). I'll try to find some detailed designs and heat plans if possible.
As for your points; the EU are in effect copying the US shuttle procedures after much study and spying from their side; the launch site is in Switzerland (where the CERN facility is). I'll try to find some detailed designs and heat plans if possible.
President_Gore
I was rather dubious about a European shuttle, especially with a British 'leadership'. However I think a lunch site in Switzerland is very, very unlikely. For two reasons:
a) I'm not sure how the Swiss, with their concern about their neutrality would be willing to base a launch station there.
b) Switzerland is also unsuitable geographically. For one thing it's in the middle of Europe. That means any accidents or discarded lower sections would be landing something in Europe. Furthermore, the ideal launch direction is eastwards to take advantage of the spin of the earth. Which would mean it goes over the eastern bloc and then Russia. This would have significant political problems. [Note that the Israelis have to launch westwards to avoid their rockets going over Arab lands for similar reasons].
Also a sight nearer the equator is better to make use of the Earth's rotation. I would suggest either French Guyana as used OTL, or possibly, with British involvement from the start some base in Kenya say or possibly Papua New Guinea.
Steve
The four men waited eagerly in the lobby of 10 Downing Street. It was a cold January morning, a Thursday to be precise. James Callaghan, formerly Chancellor and Home Secretary in Wilson's Government and Administrative Affairs Secretary in Jenkins' was the self styled leader of the group being the most senior of the pack. Peter Shore, the Foreign Secretary and former Chancellor stood like an adjunct slightly behind Callaghan with the third member Lord Gardiner, the Deputy Prime Minister and famed barrister sitting in a chair. At 71, he is the oldest member of the group and the one with the best memories of the McDonald and Attlee governments. Finally, Roy Mason who was the Government's Chief Whip stood in the shadows. Sometime later, the Prime Minister's PPS Richard Wilson descended down the stairs announcing that he was ready to receive the group.
The meeting was short, last all of seven minutes. In those seven minutes; Callaghan and Mason told Jenkins that a leadership ballot was planned for that evening amongst party members, it had become apparent that unless Jenkins resigned as Prime Minister before the end of the day, he was likely to be badly damaged politically by the ballot which would see the left wingers savage him for his tough union stances and sacking of Tony Benn three months prior. Jenkins refused all such demands, accusing the group of betrayal and threatening their posts. Lord Gardiner said allegedly that he would cause a constitutional crisis if he did as the Cabinet would no longer support an erratic PM. At that point, Jenkins knew it was over.
On the evening of Thursday January 13th 1972, Roy Jenkins visited Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace where he tendered his resignation as Prime Minister pending the election of a successor. A leadership ballot was to be held the following Thursday evening; the candidates being James Callaghan, William Rodgers and Edward Short. Home Secretary Barbara Castle infamously refused to support Callaghan, the front runner and declared she would retire upon the result saying "If a miner from Wales can backstab a Prime Minister with his pick-axe, he should watch to see what I can do with my handbag". Rodgers accumulated much of Jenkins' support and the outgoing Prime Minister gave an endorsement. The British public felt wholeheartedly that he'd been unfairly treated despite the same public giving him low approval ratings. Despite an insurgent challenge by Rodgers, Callaghan was comfortably elected to the Leadership of the Labour Party on January 20th and was made Prime Minister the following morning, Friday January 21st 1972.
James Callaghan (1912 - present)
Member of Parliament for Cardiff South (1945 - 1950)
Member of Parliament for Cardiff South East (1950 - present)
Chancellor of the Exchequer (1964 - 1967)
Home Secretary (1967 - 1969)
Secretary of State for Administrative Affairs (1969 - 1972)
Prime Minister (1972 - present)
The meeting was short, last all of seven minutes. In those seven minutes; Callaghan and Mason told Jenkins that a leadership ballot was planned for that evening amongst party members, it had become apparent that unless Jenkins resigned as Prime Minister before the end of the day, he was likely to be badly damaged politically by the ballot which would see the left wingers savage him for his tough union stances and sacking of Tony Benn three months prior. Jenkins refused all such demands, accusing the group of betrayal and threatening their posts. Lord Gardiner said allegedly that he would cause a constitutional crisis if he did as the Cabinet would no longer support an erratic PM. At that point, Jenkins knew it was over.
On the evening of Thursday January 13th 1972, Roy Jenkins visited Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace where he tendered his resignation as Prime Minister pending the election of a successor. A leadership ballot was to be held the following Thursday evening; the candidates being James Callaghan, William Rodgers and Edward Short. Home Secretary Barbara Castle infamously refused to support Callaghan, the front runner and declared she would retire upon the result saying "If a miner from Wales can backstab a Prime Minister with his pick-axe, he should watch to see what I can do with my handbag". Rodgers accumulated much of Jenkins' support and the outgoing Prime Minister gave an endorsement. The British public felt wholeheartedly that he'd been unfairly treated despite the same public giving him low approval ratings. Despite an insurgent challenge by Rodgers, Callaghan was comfortably elected to the Leadership of the Labour Party on January 20th and was made Prime Minister the following morning, Friday January 21st 1972.
James Callaghan (1912 - present)
Member of Parliament for Cardiff South (1945 - 1950)
Member of Parliament for Cardiff South East (1950 - present)
Chancellor of the Exchequer (1964 - 1967)
Home Secretary (1967 - 1969)
Secretary of State for Administrative Affairs (1969 - 1972)
Prime Minister (1972 - present)