James Callaghan Biography

Birth of James Callaghan

Elected Member of Parliament

Makes his maiden speech in Parliament

Appointed Secretary in the Ministry of Transport

Appointed Secretary to the Admiralty

Appointed Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, 1st term

Defeated by Harold Wilson for leadership of the Labour Party

Appointed Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, 2nd term

Appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer

Announces increases in social benefits & the introduction of capital gains tax

James Callaghan presents the 1965 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1965 Budget under James Callaghan sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Callaghan announces corporation tax as a separate charge on company profits.

James Callaghan presents the 1966 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1966 Budget under James Callaghan sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Resigns after the devaluing the pound

Says devaluation of the pound is unnecessary

Pompidous policy to devalue puts pressure on Callaghan to propose devaluation

James Callaghan presents the 1967 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Sterling is strong, trade in surplus & the bank rate down to 6%. Callaghan announces a cautious budget

The 1967 Budget under James Callaghan sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Sterling is strong, trade in surplus & the bank rate down to 6%

Appointed Home Secretary

Describes devaluation as an "economic & political catastrophe"

Announces the devaluation of sterling, "the unhappiest day of my life"

Callaghan announces devaluation of sterling from 2.80 to 2.40 United States dollars.

The Labour Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister Harold Wilson, was divided over the issue, however, and the opposition, led by Home Secretary James Callaghan, prevails

The Representation of the People Act is defeated in the House of Lords

The Representation of the People Act is defeated in the House of Lords

Sends troops into Northern Ireland

The findings of the Boundary Commission are published

Publishes the proposals of the Representation of the People Act

The Commission recommends redistribution which favours Conservatives by 15-20 seats. The Boundary Commission reports its findings, the first since 1954, to James Callaghan

The Commission recommends redistribution which favours Conservatives by 15-20 seats

Appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary

Turkey invades Cyprus, the RAF flies 9,000 people to Britain

Turkey invades Cyprus, the RAF flies 9,000 people to Britain

Appointed Foreign Minister

Supports continued European Community membership after renegotiation.

Adoption Act 1976 consolidates and reforms adoption law

Britain adopts the Race Relations Act with sweeping anti-racial laws, but the laws do not extend to Northern Ireland, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) is formed to enforce the new laws banning racial discrimination

Development of Rural Wales Act 1976 creates the Development Board for Rural Wales

Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1976 creates civil protections in domestic violence cases

Britain begins offering tax breaks to owners of important works of art, inheritance taxes are spared in exchange for periodic viewing

The Seychelles gains independence from Britain

The Seychelles gains independence from Britain

Incitement to race hatred becomes an offence. Britain adopts the Race Relations Act with sweeping anti-racial laws, but the laws do not extend to Northern Ireland, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) is formed to enforce the new laws banning racial discrimination. A Commission on Race Equality is established

The Race Relations Act is pased. Britain adopts the Race Relations Act with sweeping anti-racial laws, but the laws do not extend to Northern Ireland, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) is formed to enforce the new laws banning racial discrimination

Appointed Party Leader of the Labour Party

Defends voluntary incomes policy as central to the government's anti-inflation strategy.

Race Relations Act 1976 consolidates and strengthens race discrimination law

Britain adopts the Race Relations Act with sweeping anti-racial laws, but the laws do not extend to Northern Ireland, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) is formed to enforce the new laws banning racial discrimination

Large Grammer Schools have direct grants removed. Grammar Schools must go comprehensive or fee-paying

Incitement to race hatred becomes an offence. Britain adopts the Race Relations Act with sweeping anti-racial laws, but the laws do not extend to Northern Ireland, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) is formed to enforce the new laws banning racial discrimination. A Commission on Race Equality is established

Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976 consolidates restrictive trade practice controls

The Seychelles gains independence from Britain

Becomes Prime Minister and inherits the pay policy and sterling crisis.

Becomes Prime Minister after Harold Wilson resigns.

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain

Inherits the Social Contract after becoming Prime Minister.

Britain and France open the trans-Atlantic Concorde service to Washington

Great-Britain & Iceland terminate the codfish war, it is agreed that only 24 British vessels would be allowed in the 200 mile zone and four conservation areas would be completely closed to the British

Great-Britain & Iceland terminate the codfish war, it is agreed that only 24 British vessels would be allowed in the 200 mile zone and four conservation areas would be completely closed to the British

Britain presents to the US the oldest known copy of the Magna Carta

Britain presents to the US the oldest known copy of the Magna Carta

The National Union of Seamen votes for industrial action over a 6 pounds claim, breaching pay policy.

Makes a Cabinet reshuffle

Returns after an 8 day visit to Canada

The executive of the National Union of Seamen call off the strike. The executive of the National Union of Seamen accept fringe benefits

Henry Kissinger has discussions with James Callaghan after his 10 day tour of Africa

Smith accepts Kissingers proposals for 2 yr transition to black majority rule

Smith accepts Kissingers proposals for 2 yr transition to black majority rule

Britain agrees a 5 African nation request for a conference for transitional Government

Britain agrees a 5 African nation request for a conference for transitional Government

The pound falls to $1.68

Warns Labour that inflation cannot be solved by spending alone.

Tells Labour that spending cannot simply buy full employment.

Britain applies to the International Monetary Fund for a loan of $3.9 billion

Britain applies for an International Monetary Fund loan of 2,300 million pounds

Britain applies to the International Monetary Fund for a loan of $3.9 billion

The Government wins a majority of 13 in support its economic policy

The Government wins a majority of 13 in support its economic policy

Britains trade deficit in September is reported to be 365 million pounds

The National Executive of the Labour Party vote to protest to Parliament about cuts

The Government is defeated on amendments to the Dock Work Regulation Bill

The Government is defeated on amendments to the Dock Work Regulation Bill

The dockers employment monopoly within 1/2 not 5 mile radius is kept

Higher unemployment & welfare benefits come into force. Accepts comprimise, dockers employment monopoly within 1/2 not 5 mile radius

Accepts comprimise, dockers employment monopoly within 1/2 not 5 mile radius

Dependent upon the Liberal Party after Labour loses its majority

Criminal Law Act 1977 reforms conspiracy, criminal procedure, and criminal offences

Leads the Labour government as it attempts to renew the Social Contract after the IMF crisis.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Leads the Labour government as it attempts to renew the Social Contract after the IMF crisis.

Government response under James Callaghan: Leads the Labour government as it attempts to renew the Social Contract after the IMF crisis.

IMF context: Leads the Labour government as it attempts to renew the Social Contract after the IMF crisis.

Housing Homeless Persons Act 1977 creates duties toward homeless people

Dependent upon the Liberal Party after Labour loses its majority

A pact is formed between Labour & Liberal with the promise of a 3rd Devolution Bill

Attempts to maintain union support while preparing a return to collective bargaining.

Insists the government must hold the line on pay to protect economic recovery.

Uses pay policy to argue that lower inflation can protect jobs.

Links the post-IMF period to efforts to renew the Social Contract.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Links the post-IMF period to efforts to renew the Social Contract.

Government response under James Callaghan: Links the post-IMF period to efforts to renew the Social Contract.

IMF context: Links the post-IMF period to efforts to renew the Social Contract.

Protection from Eviction Act 1977 protects residential occupiers from unlawful eviction and harassment

Launches the "Great Debate" on education

Rent Act 1977 consolidates rent control and regulated tenancy law

Attempts to renew the Social Contract after the IMF crisis.

Attempts to renew the Social Contract after the IMF crisis.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Attempts to renew the Social Contract after the IMF crisis.

Government response under James Callaghan: Attempts to renew the Social Contract after the IMF crisis.

IMF context: Attempts to renew the Social Contract after the IMF crisis.

Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 restricts exclusion clauses and unfair contract terms

Britains new 200 mile fishing zone comes into effect

The International Monetary Fund approves a loan of 2,300 million pounds to Great Britain

The International Monetary Fund approves a loan of pounds 2,300 million to Great Britain

Baggage handlers at Heathrow call off their 3 day dispute

Ian Smith rejects the British proposals for a Rhodesian settlement

Ian Smith rejects the British proposals for a Rhodesian settlement

The monthly unemployment figures reach the highest since 1948

The Scottish Devolution Bill is defeated

The Scottish Devolution Bill is defeated

A referendum is held but the required 40% of Scots do not vote for devolution

A referendum is held but the required 40% of Scots do not vote for devolution

A referendum is held but the required 40% of Scots do not vote for devolution

The 1st commercial flight of the Anglo-French Concorde jet is from London to Bahrain

The 1st commercial flight of the Anglo-French Concorde jet is from London to Bahrain

Regular passenger service between New York and Europe on the supersonic Concorde begins on a trial basis

Regular passenger service between New York and Europe on the supersonic Concorde begins on a trial basis

Domestic Proceedings and Magistrates Courts Act 1978 reforms family proceedings in magistrates courts

Employment Protection Consolidation Act 1978 consolidates employment protection law

Interpretation Act 1978 consolidates statutory interpretation rules

During James Callaghan's government, louise Brown is born following in-vitro fertilisation developed by Patrick Steptoe and colleagues.

The Labour Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: Louise Brown is born following in-vitro fertilisation developed by Patrick Steptoe and colleagues.

This NHS development occurs while James Callaghan serves as Prime Minister: Louise Brown is born following in-vitro fertilisation developed by Patrick Steptoe and colleagues.

Faces the collapse of the five percent policy after major private-sector settlements.

8 out of 9 countries in the EC join the European Monetary System, Britain stays out

State Immunity Act 1978 codifies rules on when foreign states are immune from UK court jurisdiction

Theft Act 1978 creates offences involving deception and making off without payment

A white paper announces cuts to the defence budget of 4,700 million pounds over 10 yrs

Backs the five percent pay guideline despite union warnings.

Backs the five percent pay guideline that strains the union bargain.

Ford workers settle for 17%. British Oxygen workers settle for 10%. British Leyland workers make a claim for 37%

Banking Act 1979 creates a statutory banking supervision regime

Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 consolidates customs and excise management law

Education Act 1979 changes education law and school arrangements

Estate Agents Act 1979 regulates estate agency work and enforcement powers

Sees the pay policy breakdown damage Labour before the general election.

Sale of Goods Act 1979 consolidates sale of goods law and implied terms

Sees the Social Contract collapse amid the Winter of Discontent.

Attends an economic conference at Guadeloupe

The pay norm in Cabinet is increased from 5% to 9.5%

Callaghan wishes to declare a state of emergency but is over-ruled by his colleagues

Water workers go on strike. The road haulage drivers dispute is made official by the TGWU. Railway workers want 10% bomus on top of their 20% wage demand. Oil tanker drivers accept 15%. Lorry drivers demand 20%. Local authority workers call for 8%. Cabinet decides to buy off the road haulage workers with a 20% increase

Misquoted in the press saying, "Crisis, what crisis?", returning from Guadaloupe

The Government loses a confidence motion by 1 vote. Forced to call a general election

The Government loses a confidence motion by 1 vote

The Labour Party win 36.9% of votes cast & 269 MPs. The Labour Party lose the election after a 7% swing to the Conservatives

Resigns as Party Leader of the Labour Party

Declares he is opposed to unilateral nuclear disarmament, against Labours policy

Made a life peer

Retires from the House of Commons & enters the Lords

Death of James Callaghan