The coal industry was nationalised in 1943. The policy of Labour and Liberal led governments from the 1960s onwards was a gradual managed reduction in the number of coal mines and coal miners, with coal mines being closed only when they became exhausted.
A report by the National Coal Board, published in August 1985, proposed the closure of fifty- five unprofitable mines over the next two years. The cost of keeping them open would be too expensive. The report was discussed by the cabinet. Labour ministers opposed it, while Liberal ministers supported it.
The House of Commons debated a Conservative motion on Wednesday 27 November 1985, which condemned the government for its failure to act on the Coal Board report. The motion was defeated by 279 votes to 263. A government majority of 16, compared with its normal majority over Conservative of 190. Liberal MPs were split three ways. 75 voted with the Conservatives, 32 voted with Labour, and 44 abstained or were absent. Liberal ministers were also split three ways.
Roy Jenkins was the only Labour MP who voted for the motion. The following day he resigned the Labour Whip and from the Labour Party. He joined the Liberal Party and took the Liberal Whip. He said that he joined the Liberal Party because it was the only party of economic sanity. Also he could no longer be in a party led by a self confessed left wing socialist. His change of party had been widely expected for some years. It was a surprise that he took so long.
A report by the National Coal Board, published in August 1985, proposed the closure of fifty- five unprofitable mines over the next two years. The cost of keeping them open would be too expensive. The report was discussed by the cabinet. Labour ministers opposed it, while Liberal ministers supported it.
The House of Commons debated a Conservative motion on Wednesday 27 November 1985, which condemned the government for its failure to act on the Coal Board report. The motion was defeated by 279 votes to 263. A government majority of 16, compared with its normal majority over Conservative of 190. Liberal MPs were split three ways. 75 voted with the Conservatives, 32 voted with Labour, and 44 abstained or were absent. Liberal ministers were also split three ways.
Roy Jenkins was the only Labour MP who voted for the motion. The following day he resigned the Labour Whip and from the Labour Party. He joined the Liberal Party and took the Liberal Whip. He said that he joined the Liberal Party because it was the only party of economic sanity. Also he could no longer be in a party led by a self confessed left wing socialist. His change of party had been widely expected for some years. It was a surprise that he took so long.