Why did Margaret Thatcher close the mines?
She believed that the excessive costs of increasingly inefficient collieries had to end in order to grow the economy. She planned to close inefficient pits and depend more on imported coal, oil, gas and nuclear.
How many coal mines did Thatcher close?
In early 1984, the Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher announced plans to close 20 coal pits which led to the year-long miners’ strike which ended in March 1985.
Why did the miners go on strike in Billy Elliot?
Many miners previously went on strike, but the 1984 strike was the height of them all. The reason behind the strike was the vast amount of mines being closed down, which left hundreds of men unemployed. The miners were also trying to earn fair wages and get benefits, but most importantly get their jobs back.
Who was Labour leader during the miners strike?
Arthur Scargill (born 11 January 1938) is a British trade unionist who was President of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) from 1982 to 2002. He is best known for leading the 1984–1985 miners’ strike, a major event in the history of the British labour movement.
Why did coal mining stop in the UK?
The miners had gone on strike twice in the previous decade. In 1972 and 1974, strikes shut down every coal mine in Britain, and a combination of solidarity strikes by the steel and railway unions and targeted picketing of coking works, ports and industrial sites brought the country to a standstill.
Is the story of Billy Elliot true?
The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, and Jamie Bell, who played Billy, was widely praised for his performance. The character of Billy was actually inspired by a real man who faced similar struggles in his pursuit of becoming an opera singer in the 60s.
What does scab mean in Billy Elliot?
strike-breaker
Scab. A derogatory term for a strike-breaker — people who report for work a during a strike at their company, or people who temporarily take the jobs of those on strike. Billy’s older brother Tony reports, “There were 2,000 police taking six scabs to work.”
Who led the miners strike in 1974?
UK miners’ strike (1974), during the Three-Day Week. UK miners’ strike (1984–85), led by Arthur Scargill of the NUM.
When was the 3 day week in the 70s?
The Three-Day Week To reduce electricity consumption, and thus conserve coal stocks, the Conservative Prime Minister, Edward Heath, announced a number of measures under the Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973 on 13 December 1973, including the Three-Day Work Order, which came into force at midnight on 31 December.
Where was Lea Hall Colliery strike in 1984?
Pickets at Lea Hall Colliery, Rugeley, Staffordshire, England, Friday 16th March 19845 of 45 Miners Strike 1984 – 1985, Pictured. Pickets at Lea Hall Colliery, Rugeley, Staffordshire, England, Friday 16th March 19846 of 45
Who was still on strike at Lea Hall?
Dennis Southwell, now 75, worked at the pit bottom at Lea Hall. He was also on the picket line for the duration of the strike with his two sons. There was just over 2,000 workers at Lea Hall and Mr Southwell estimates there was around 180 still on strike by the end.
Who was the leader of the miners strike in 1985?
Miners leader, Arthur Scargill, arrested on picket line, as he led 30 pickets towards the gates of the Orgreave coking plant near Sheffield, Yorkshire, Wednesday 30th May 19849 of 45 Miners Strike 1984 – 1985, Pictured.
Where was the miners strike in 1984 in England?
Miners Strike 1984 – 1985, Pictured. Pickets and Police clash at Daw Mill Colliery, near the village of Arley, near Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England, Tuesday 27th March 19843 of 45 Miners Strike 1984 – 1985, Pictured.