Margaret Thatcher biography timeline

Birth of Margaret Thatcher, daughter of a grocer

1st elected Member of Parliament for Finchley during the election, has a constituency majority of 16,260

1st elected Member of Parliament for Finchley during the election, has a constituency majority of 16,260

Makes maiden speech in Parliament

Appointed Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Pensions & National Insurance

Appointed shadow spokesman on pensions

Appointed shadow spokesman on housing & land

Appointed Shadow Treasury Spokesman, deputy to Iain Macleod

Appointed Secretary for Education & Science, attains Cabinet rank for the first time

Appointed Member of Privy Council

15-29 June, protests about withdrawal of milk to state schools

Says LEAs may use the 1944 education act to retain grammar schools

Appointed Leader of the Conservative Party

1st Conservative leader to help contest a by-election, 7.6% swing in favour

Campaigns for Britain to remain in the European Communities.

Criticises Labour's economic management while the government pursues pay restraint.

Attacks Labour's reliance on union cooperation during the inflation crisis.

Refers to herself as the "Iron Lady" after an article in the Soviet Red Star

Tass calls Margaret Thatcher the "Iron Lady" over her condemnation of Rusia

Tells Callaghan to, "keep taking the tablets", after Peter Jay compares him to Moses

Tells Callaghan to, "keep taking the tablets", after Peter Jay compares him to Moses

The Conservatives win a majority of 45. Conservatives 339, Labour 268, Liberals 11, others 18

Leads the Conservatives to victory and becomes Prime Minister.

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 1st term

The Price Commission is abolished

Enters no 10 quoting St Francis, "where there is discord, may we bring harmony"

Attends the European Council & forwards the case for reducing Britains contributions

1st Commonwealth Conference to be held in Africa, Rhodesia is the main subject. 1-8 August, attends the Commonwealth Prime Minister's Conference at Lusaka

1st Commonwealth Conference to be held in Africa, Rhodesia is the main subject. 1-8 August, attends the Commonwealth Prime Minister's Conference at Lusaka

Exchange controls are removed

Visits the security services in Ulster

1st EC elections take place, using 1st-past-the-post system

Cabinet backs an Olympic boycott response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Calls for a boycott of the Moscow Olympics because of the invasion of Afghanistan

Backs the Treasury's medium-term approach to inflation control.

Faces urban unrest after the St Pauls riot in Bristol.

Spain agrees to re-open its border with Gibraltar

Supports the Lisbon Agreement on easing the Gibraltar frontier.

Recognises Zimbabwe's independence after the Lancaster House settlement.

Authorises final action as the Iranian Embassy siege reaches its end.

The SAS storms the Iranian Embassy and ends the hostage siege.

The British annual inflation rate stands at 21%, the first fall in two years

The British annual inflation rate stands at 21%, the first fall in two years

Sees inflation begin to fall after reaching very high levels.

Attends the G7 summit in Venice.

Attends the Venice G7 summit with other major industrial leaders.

Thatcher presents Trident as essential to the maintenance of Britain's independent nuclear deterrent

The Thatcher Government decides to acquire the Trident missile system as the successor to Polaris

Faces Nigerian nationalisation of BP assets during diplomatic tension.

Nigeria announces that it is nationalizing BP's assets in Nigeria

Begins the first stage of Conservative trade union law reform.

Receives the Clegg report on public sector pay comparability.

The Clegg Commission completes its report on pay comparability in the public sector

The Clegg Commission completes its report on pay comparability in the public sector

Makes right to buy a central housing policy.

The registered unemployment total exceeds 2 million

Registered unemployment passes two million during the recession.

Lancaster House negotiations shape the constitutional settlement leading to Zimbabwean independence.

Rejects calls to change course at Conservative conference.

Uses the Brighton conference speech to reject a change of economic course.

Tells Conservative conference that the lady's not for turning.

Pensions and social security rise below inflation; National Insurance and North Sea oil taxation rise.

Pensions and social security will increase by 1% less than inflation

Backs further restraint in public expenditure during the autumn statement.

A new tax is introduced on North Sea oil

Attends the Anglo-Irish summit in Dublin

Leads the first full calendar year of the Conservative government.

Faces internal Conservative concern over economic policy and unemployment.

Education Act 1980 changes school meals, transport, and assisted places policy

Employment Act 1980 restricts closed shop practices and changes trade union law

Continues pressure for a better British European Community budget deal.

Rejects political status for republican prisoners during the first hunger strike.

Housing Act 1980 expands right to buy council housing and changes public sector housing policy

Faces criticism as manufacturing output and employment decline.

Coal Industry Act support reduces subsidies to the National Coal Board.

Presses British sporting bodies to stay away from the Moscow Olympics.

During Margaret Hilda Thatcher's government, keyhole surgery is used successfully to remove a gall bladder.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: Keyhole surgery is used successfully to remove a gall bladder.

This NHS development occurs while Margaret Hilda Thatcher serves as Prime Minister: Keyhole surgery is used successfully to remove a gall bladder.

During Margaret Hilda Thatcher's government, mRI scanning is introduced.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: MRI scanning is introduced.

This NHS development occurs while Margaret Hilda Thatcher serves as Prime Minister: MRI scanning is introduced.

Amersham International is prepared for later sale as part of privatization policy.

Prescription charges rise to pounds 1 and striker benefit assumptions are tightened.

Pym becomes leader of the Commons, Nott Defence Secretary & Britain Chief Sec

St John Stevas & Maude leave the Government

Thatchers Conservative Government withdraws plans to close 23 pits in its first major u-turn since coming to power 2 years ago

Miners vote in favour of a 9.3 per cent pay rise

!st day of a weekend of riots in Brixton. Lord Scarman is later appointed to review the causes of the riots

Moss Side in Manchester experiences its first of 2 days disorder

Visits Liverpool and drives through the scene of the riots in Toxteth

Humbar Estuary Bridge, worlds longest span, 1.4 km, opens

Her government faces major unrest in Toxteth during inner-city riots.

Lawson, Tebbit & Parkinson join the Cabinet & Prior becomes the Northern Ireland Sec

Gilmour, Carlisle & Soames leave the Government

Arrives in Melbourne for the Commonwealth Conference

Arrives in Melbourne for the Commonwealth Conference

Congratulates Reagan on his election victory & invites him to Britain for discussions

Congratulates Reagan on his election victory & invites him to Britain for discussions

Agrees with Garret FiitzGerald to establish an Anglo-Irish inter-Governmental Council

British Nationality Act 1981 restructures British citizenship and nationality categories

Visits Brixton Police Station

Cable & Wireless is sold for œ224 million

Supreme Court Act 1981 consolidates law on the Supreme Court of Judicature

Thatcher considers replacing the earlier Trident C4 plan with the more capable Trident II D5 system

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 strengthens nature conservation and countryside protections

The British Ambassador of Argentina lodges a formal protest against the unauthorised landing on South Georgia on 20 December 1981 by Argentine scrap-metal merchant shipshant Constantino Davidoff

Thatcher in a private letter to a Conservative Party activist makes clear that she regards the Royal Marine presence in Stanley as sufficient to prevent an Argentine invasion

Britain renews its formal protest at Davidoff's unauthorised landing in South Georgia

Britain renews its formal protest at Davidoff's unauthorised landing in South Georgia

Thatcher confirms the retirement of HMS Endurance

Confirms the planned withdrawal of HMS Endurance.

The Argentine Foreign Minister says that Argentina reserves the right to employ other means if Britain keeps refusing to cede sovereignty

MP Julian Amery asks if all necessary steps are in hand to ensure the protection of the Islands against unexpected attack but receives an evasive reply

Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington refuses to send a submarine to patrol off the Islands and South Georgia

Hercules aircraft operated by Argentine military airline LADE,on a mail run to an Antarctic base, lands at Stanley Airport, falsely claiming a fuel leak, and carrying senior Argentine officers who survey Stanley

Thatcher asks the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence for contingency plans in case of an Argentine blockade or invasion of the Islands

Requests contingency plans for a possible Argentine blockade or invasion.

Thatcher receives American confirmation that Britain can modernize its nuclear deterrent with Trident II

Davidoff sends 40 workmen on naval vessel Bahia Buen Suceso to dismantle Leith whaling station, the workmen fail to ask permission to land from the British Antarctic Survey base at Grytviken and hoist the Argentine flag

Davidoff sends 40 workmen on naval vessel Bahia Buen Suceso to dismantle Leith whaling station, the workmen fail to ask permission to land from the British Antarctic Survey base at Grytviken and hoist the Argentine flag

Britain begins contingency planning for the sending of a task force to the Islands

The Joint Intelligence Committee reports an invasion seems imminent, Thatcher orders 3 nuclear submarines south to the Islands

Orders nuclear submarines south as invasion fears grow.

At a crisis meeting headed by Thatcher, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Henry Leach advises that Britain can and should send a task force if the islands are invaded.

Thatcher telegraphs American President Ronald Reagan asking him to warn the Argentines off

UN Security Council meets at Britain's request and calls for restraint and avoidance of force

UN Security Council meets at Britains request and calls for restraint and avoidance of force

UN Security Council meets at Britain's request and calls for restraint and avoidance of force

UN Security Council meets at Britains request and calls for restraint and avoidance of force

Galtieri hails the "recovery" of the Malvinas, saying Argentina had been left no option other than military action, while Carrington tells Parliament "Port Stanley is now occupied by Argentine military forces"

MPs are recalled for an emergency Saturday sitting after the invasion.

Cabinet approves dispatch of a task force.

After an emergency meeting of the cabinet, approval is given for the formation of a task force to retake the islands

Authorises military action after Argentina invades the Falkland Islands.

1st day of the Falklands War when the Argentines capture the Falklands

Cabinet approves the sending of the task force

Galtieri hails the "recovery" of the Malvinas, saying Argentina had been left no option other than military action, while Carrington tells Parliament "Port Stanley is now occupied by Argentine military forces"

MPs are recalled for a special Saturday sitting of the House of Commons (first since Suez)

Britains United Nations ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons puts a draft resolution to the Security Council condemning the hostilities and demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands

UN Security Council passes Resolution 502 by 10 votes to 1 (with 4 abstentions) demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands - Argentina refuses to comply

Backed by an emergency session of the House of Commons

The United Nations directive 502 is passed through the House of Commons

UN Security Council passes Resolution 502 by 10 votes to 1 (with 4 abstentions) demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands - Argentina refuses to comply

The United Kingdom's United Nations ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons submits a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, the resolution, which condemned the hostilities and demanded immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands

The United Nations passes Resolution 502 demanding Argentine withdrawal from the Falklands

The United Nations directive 502 is passed through the House of Commons

UN Security Council passes Resolution 502 by 10 votes to 1 (with 4 abstentions) demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands - Argentina refuses to comply

The United Kingdoms United Nations ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons submits a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, the resolution, which condemned the hostilities and demanded immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands

The United Kingdoms United Nations ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons submits a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, the resolution, which condemned the hostilities and demanded immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands

The United Kingdom's United Nations ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons submits a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, the resolution, which condemned the hostilities and demanded immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands

British Government announces it will impose a 200-mile exclusion zone around the Islands on 26 April

Aircraft carriers Hermes and Invincible set sail from Portsmouth

British Government announces it will impose a 200-mile exclusion zone around the Islands on 26 April

Announces a 200-mile maritime exclusion zone.

The task force sails for the Falklands

Carrington resigns and is replaced as Foreign Secretary by Francis Pym

The British Government sets up a War Cabinet to provide day-to-day political oversight of the campaign

Creates a small War Cabinet for daily campaign control.

A task force is sent by Britain to recapture the Falkland Islands from Argentina

The maritime exclusion zone comes into operation

200 mile maritime exclusion zone around the Islands declared by Britain to prevent Argentine reinforcements and supplies reaching the Islands from the mainland

Argentina rejects Haig's 5 point peace plan and London is informed

Reagan terminates Haig's peace mission, declares US support for Britain, imposes economic sanctions on Argentina, and offers Britain materiel and other aid. British destroyer group takes up holding position in mid-Atlantic

Defines rules of engagement as self-defense under United Nations Charter Article 41

Admiral Sir John Fieldhouse chairs conference at Ascension Island with Admiral Sandy Woodward and 3 Commando Brigade which sets out detailed plans for the retaking of the Islands by force

The exclusion zone comes into force

Argentina rejects Haig's plan unless Britain agrees to transfer sovereignty by 31 December 1982 and allow Argentine nationals to settle in the Islands

British War Cabinet orders repossession of Islands

Orders the repossession of the Falkland Islands.

The South Georgia operation begins

British task force arrives in Falklands waters

Britain warns Argentina that any military or civilian ship or aircraft representing a threat to the task force will be destroyed

South Georgia is recaptured from the Argentinians

Announces the recovery of South Georgia.

South Georgia recaptured by Royal Marines - Thatcher tells Britain to "rejoice"

South Georgia is recaptured & the nation is told to "rejoice!"

A "defence area" is declared around the fleet

Declares a defence area around the British fleet.

Operation Sutton is presented to the cabinet

The task force arrives at the exclusion zone

Reagan declares US for Britain and promises "materiel aid"

Maritime exclusion zone is declared a total exclusion zone, applicable to all ships and aircraft supporting the Argentine occupation of the Islands

Reagan terminates Haig's peace mission, declares US support for Britain, imposes economic sanctions on Argentina, and offers Britain materiel and other aid

Extends restrictions to ships and aircraft supporting Argentina.

Air attacks begin on the Argentine garrison on the Falklands

Operations against the Falklands open with the "Black Buck 1" attack on the airfield at Stanley

The General Belgrano is sunk by HMS conqueror

The General Belgrano is sunk outside the Exclusion Zone demarcated by the British. After the loss of the Belgrano, the entire Argentine fleet returns to port and do not leave again for the duration of hostilities

Galtieri rejects Peruvian peace plan, citing General Belgrano

The British lose the Type 42 destroyer HMS Sheffield to fire following an Exocet missile strike - 20 die

British forces begin bombarding Argentine positions around Stanley

Emergency meeting of full British cabinet approves Peruvian peace plan

Full cabinet approval of the Peruvian peace plan

Cabinet considers and accepts the Peruvian peace plan.

Argentine junta rejects Peruvian peace plan

The exclusion zone is extended to 12 miles off the Argentine coast

Britain extends total exclusion zone to 12 miles off Argentine coast

QE2 leaves Southampton with 5 Infantry Brigade comprising Scots Guards, Welsh Guards and Gurkhas

Argentine junta concedes that sovereignty of the Islands is not a precondition to the United Nations peace plan

QE2 sails with 5 Infantry Brigade troops.

British peace proposals transmitted to Argentina

Argentine junta rejects British peace proposals

The Junta rejects the British proposals

Thatcher accuses Argentina of obduracy and delay, deception and bad faith, tells Commons of collapse of peace process, and orders task force into battle

Offers to place the Falklands under jurisdiction of the UN, Argentina refuses

Tells Parliament of the collapse of the peace process

Thatcher accuses Argentina of obduracy and delay, deception and bad faith, tells Commons of collapse of peace process, and orders task force into battle

Offers to place the Falklands under jurisdiction of the UN, Argentina refuses

British troops land at San Carlos Bay

The Ardent is sunk

Two brigades of troops had been transported 8,000 miles and one of the most successful amphibious landings was conducted in San Carlos Water when 3,000 troops are put ashore without casualties

An open debate commences at the United Nations Security Council into the Falkands War

An open debate commences at the United Nations Security Council into the Falkands War

The HMS Antelope is sunk

The HMS Coventry is sunk. The Atlantic Conveyor is sunk

UN Security Council Resolution 505 instructs de Cuellar to seek negotiated settlement

UN Security Council Resolution 505 instructs de Cuellar to seek negotiated settlement

UN Security Council Resolution 505 instructs de Cuellar to seek negotiated settlement

UN Security Council Resolution 505 instructs de Cuellar to seek negotiated settlement

UN Resolution 505 bids de Cuellar to seek a settlement to the Falklands War

Argentines surrender Goose Green, British take 1,400 prisoners, and the Islanders imprisoned at Goose Green by the Argentines are released

Argentines surrender Goose Green, British take 1,400 prisoners, and the Islanders imprisoned at Goose Green by the Argentines are released

Receives news of the Argentine surrender at Goose Green.

Organization of American States condemns Britain's military action and calls on the US to stop helping Britain - only the US, Chile, Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago abstain

Organization of American States condemns Britain's military action and calls on the US to stop helping Britain - only the US, Chile, Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago abstain

President Reagan presents his 5 point plan to Britain

Discusses peace proposals with allied leaders.

Britain vetoes the ceasfire resolution in the Security Council

Battle for Stanley begins on Mount Longdon, Mount Harriet and Two Sisters

Argentine forces surrender at Stanley to Major General Jeremy Moore.

Port Stanley is captured & the Argentinians surrender. Argentine forces surrender as the British recapture Port Stanley

The Battle of Port Stanley ends with the surrender of Argentine forces

Tells Parliament that Argentine forces have surrendered.

Peter Blaker, Minister of State for Defence, announces that the official count of British military and civilian war dead is 255, with approximately 300 wounded

British forces land on Southern Thule (South Sandwich Islands) - Argentines surrender without a fight. Britain formally declares an end to hostilities

British forces land on Southern Thule (South Sandwich Islands) - Argentines surrender without a fight

Formally declares an end to hostilities.

200 mile exclusion zone established around the Islands during the war is replaced by a Falkland Islands Protection Zone of 150 miles

200 mile exclusion zone established around the Islands during the war is replaced by a Falkland Islands Protection Zone of 150 miles

Thatcher appoints an official commission headed by Lord Franks to examine the causes of Britain's failure to prevent Argentine capture of the Islands

Thatcher appoints an official commission headed by Lord Franks to examine the causes of Britain's failure to prevent Argentine capture of the Islands

Appoints Lord Franks to examine pre-war decisions.

Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance at St Paul's Cathedral in London

Attends the Thanksgiving and Remembrance service.

Britain lifts the Exclusion Zone around the Islands

Lifts the exclusion zone around the islands.

The War Cabinet is dissolved

Dissolves the Falklands War Cabinet.

Begins a Far East visit to Hong Kong

Meets the Chinese Prime Minister Zhao Ziyang. China & Britain agree to oppose Soviet hegemony

The Chinese insist on regaining Hong Kong by 1997

Takes part in the London victory parade.

Victory Parade in London

The United Nations General Assembly passes a resolution calling for a peaceful solution to the sovereignty dispute

Rejects pressure for sovereignty negotiations after the war.

INLA bombs in Ballykelly kill 11 soldiers

Britoil shares are sold during the government's privatization programme.

Civil Aviation Act 1982 consolidates civil aviation law

Employment Act 1982 further restricts trade union immunities and liability rules

Oil and Gas Enterprise Act 1982 changes state involvement in oil and gas enterprises

Britoil is sold for œ549 million

Nott resigns, Heseltine replaces him & Tom King goes to the Dept of the Environment

John Nott leaves the Defence post and Michael Heseltine succeeds him as Secretary of State for Defence.

Macgregor is named as the Chairman of the NCB

The Conservative Party manifesto for the forthcoming election is published

The Conservative Party manifesto for the forthcoming election is published

The Conservative Party manifesto for the forthcoming election is published

1st day of the election campaign, the first press conference takes place

The opinion polls give the Conservatives a lead of 13%-19% over the Labour Party

Attends the G7 summit at Williamsburg during the election campaign

Attends the G7 summit at Williamsburg during the election campaign

Inflation reaches a low point of 3.7%

Inflation reaches a low point of 3.7%

Healey claims the Conservatives have been "glorying in slaughter" of the Falklands War

8-11 June, visits the Falkland Islands

The Conservative Party wins an overall majority of 144, the largest since 1945. The Conservative Party wins 42.4% of votes cast & 397 MPs

Wins a majority of 9,314 in Finchley & is returned for the Eighth time

Wins a large Conservative majority in the general election.

Wins re-election after the Falklands victory.

The Conservative election victory strengthens Government commitment to the Trident programme

Points to lowest inflation since 1968 & record productivity

Points to lowest inflation since 1968 & record productivity

Introduces the Queens Speech to the House of Commons

Introduces plans for Government expenditure cuts to the Cabinet

Makes plans to reduce public expenditure by 1 billion pounds

Meets Khohl, they agree to forward CAP reforms from Stuttgart to the Athens Summit

Meets Chancellor Khohl, they agree to forward CAP reforms to the Athens Summit

Visits Canada attempting to increase their involvement in NATO & open up more trade

Visits Reagan, objects to Russia including British & French nuclear arms in SALT

Visits Canada attempting to increase their involvement in NATO & open up more trade

Visits Reagan, objects to Russia including British & French nuclear arms in SALT

Agrees that HMS Antrim should set sail from Colombia to the area of Grenada

Receives a message from Reagan saying America is considerrng invasion, advises against

Attends the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting

The main subject is Americas invasion of Grenada. Attends the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting

Agrees to the deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Britain & West Germany

Agrees to the deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Britain & West Germany

The re-introduction of capital punishment is rejected by a free vote in the Commons

Attends a European Council meeting & secures higher EC rebates for Britain

Signs a "symbolic declaration on European Union"

Mental Health Act 1983 consolidates mental health detention, treatment, and guardianship law

National Health Service Act 1983 consolidates National Health Service legislation

During Margaret Hilda Thatcher's government, professor Sir Magdi Yacoub performs the first combined heart and lung transplant in the UK at Harefield Hospital.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub performs the first combined heart and lung transplant in the UK at Harefield Hospital.

This NHS development occurs while Margaret Hilda Thatcher serves as Prime Minister: Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub performs the first combined heart and lung transplant in the UK at Harefield Hospital.

During Margaret Hilda Thatcher's government, the UK liver transplant programme begins.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: The UK liver transplant programme begins.

This NHS development occurs while Margaret Hilda Thatcher serves as Prime Minister: The UK liver transplant programme begins.

Associated British Ports is sold for œ22 million

Attends a European Council meeting & secures higher EC rebates for Britain

The re-introduction of capital punishment is rejected by a free vote in the Commons

Representation of the People Act 1983 consolidates election law

Thatcher visits Hungary, 1st Warsaw country visited as PM

Attends Andropovs funeral in the USSR

Margaret Thatcher meets Konstantin Chernenko

Miners strike in South Yorkshire and some Scottish pits

The National Coal Board announces plans to cut coal output by 4 million tons to stem annual loss of $340 million a year. National Union of Mineworkers say this will mean closing 20 pits and loss of 20,000 jobs

Cortonwood colliery strikes over closure plans

Faces the start of the national miners' strike.

81 pits are out but 83 work normally

The National Coal Board says Britain has 23 million tons of coal in stock with another 24 million at the power stations

Union moderates call for a national strike ballot

The High Court orders miners leaders to stop backing roving pickets

Violent picketing shuts down more mines. 132 pits shut. Some 136,000 of Britain's 175,000 miners now on strike

End of the flying pickets outside Ollerton colliery

The Government dispatches 3,000 extra police to the Midlands

The Midlands, Northeast and Northwest miners vote against strike

Some 8,000 police guard mines roadblocks across Midlands in the biggest police operation in a labor dispute since the 1926 general strike

The Kent NUM loses its case against the Government. The Kent NUM challenge the Governments right to turn away pickets

Sets up a special committee to deal with the Miners Strike

London demonstration in support of the miners

Scargill vetoes a national ballot on the miners strike

Rival groups of miners throw stones and hurl bricks at each other when 5,000 working miners stage a right-to-work march

10,000 miners march through London to Parliament. Police arrest 110

The Opposition Labour Party accuses the Government of intervening directly to defeat the miners. The Government denies it interfere in any Coal Board settlement

Miners try to force the closure of the Sheffield steel plant & confront the police

The TGWU begins a Dock Strike over breaches of the National Dock Labour Scheme

The TGWU calls off the National Dock Strike

Walter Marshall estimates power stations can run until Nov 1985

NUM assets are sequestrated. 2 Miners begin Court action against the Yorkshire NUM for striking without a ballot

A Judge rules that the miners strike is illegal

Howe & Thatcher sign Declaration handing over Hong Kong to China by 1st July 1997

An IRA bomb explodes at the Grand Hotel during the Conservative Party conference. 4 are killed but the conference continues

An IRA bomb explodes at the Grand Hotel during the Conservative Party conference

Government record concerning the IRA: An IRA bomb explodes at the Grand Hotel during the Conservative Party conference. 4 are killed but the conference continues

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: An IRA bomb explodes at the Grand Hotel during the Conservative Party conference. 4 are killed but the conference continues

IRA context for Margaret Hilda Thatcher: An IRA bomb explodes at the Grand Hotel during the Conservative Party conference. 4 are killed but the conference continues

British Telecom is floated on the stock exchange

A court fines Scargill for obstruction

Margaret Thatcher is visited by the Gorbachevs

Signs the Hong Kong agreement in Peking, Hong Kong will return to China by 1997

Signs the Hong Kong agreement in Peking, Hong Kong will return to China by 1997

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 reforms police powers, detention, interviews, and criminal evidence rules

Jaguar Motors is sold to private investors. Jaguar is sold for 294 million. Enterprise Oil is sold for 392 million. British Telecom is sold for 3,916 million

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 consolidates traffic regulation law

Forbids trades union membership at GCHQ, 1,000 pounds is given for each union card

The Government agrees a miners redundancy deal of 1,000 pounds per year of service

Telecommunications Act 1984 restructures telecommunications and enables British Telecom privatisation

Trade Union Act 1984 requires ballots for union elections and industrial action decisions

Oxford University votes against the traditional honorary doctorate on a PM, the first Oxford-educated Prime Minister since the war to be denied the honour. Academics have led a campaign against honouring Mrs Thatcher in protest against the Governments cuts in funding for education

Free movement between Spain & Gibraltar returns

Addresses the joint session of the US Congress

The year long miners strike is called off

Attends Chernenkos funeral in Moscow

Agrees to the total privatization of British Gas

Begins an 11 day tour of the Far East

The G7 summit opens in Bonn

English officials announce no teams under their control will play football in Europe

Thatcher represents Britain as member governments conclude the 1985 accession treaty with Spain and Portugal.

Rees, Jenkin & Gowrie leave the Government. Clarke, MacGregor & Baker join the Cabinet

Britain orders 25 Russian spies to leave the country

Flies out to Cairo to begin a tour of the Middle East

Conservative delegates vote to support the Trident Programme at their Conference

Conservative delegates vote to support the Trident programme at their party conference

Ends the conference with a speech offering the Police more men & equipment

Opposes sanctions on South Africa at the Nassau Commonwealth Conference. 16-23 October, attends the Commonwealth Prime Minister's conference

Opposes sanctions on South Africa at the Nassau Commonwealth Conference. 16-23 October, attends the Commonwealth Prime Minister's conference

Opposes sanctions on South Africa at the Nassau Commonwealth Conference

Sets up an Inter-Government Conference of to give the Republic a say in North Ireland

Signs an agreement in Belfast with Dr FitzGerald

Signs power sharing agreement at Hillsborough with the Irish Government

Catholics, Protestants & the Republic have a say in Ulster

Ulster Unionist leaders announce that all 15 Unionist MPs at Westminster will resign

The Agreement is approved in Parliament by 473 votes to 47

Companies Act 1985 consolidates company law in Great Britain

Under the Falkland Islands constitution there is an Executive Council and a Legislative Council, The Executive Council advises the Governor & chaired by the Governor

Housing Act 1985 consolidates housing law and local authority housing powers

Local Government Act 1985 abolishes the Greater London Council and metropolitan county councils

Under the Falkland Islands constitution there is an Executive Council and a Legislative Council, The Executive Council advises the Governor & chaired by the Governor

Transport Act 1985 deregulates local bus services and changes public transport arrangements

Michael Heseltine resigns as a result of the Westland Helicopter crisis

Michael Heseltine resigns from Cabinet during the Westland crisis

Heseltine's Cabinet resignation becomes a major political consequence of the Westland dispute.

Michael Heseltine resigns as Secretary of State for Defence during the Westland helicopter crisis.

Mitterand & Thatcher agree to undertake the Channel building project

Resigns over the Westland Affair

Leon Brittan resigns

The Channel Tunnel Treaty with France is signed

Signs the Single European Act expanding European integration and single market commitments.

Agrees to President Reagan's request to use US aircraft based in Britain to bomb Libya. Agreed due to US support in the Falklands & Article 51 of the United Nations Treaty

The US confirms that it will be using British bases to bomb Libya. Carried out by 16 F1-11s based in the UK on 5 terrorist targets

The US uses Britain as a base to launch an 11 minute attack on Gadaffis HQ in Tripoli

3-6 May, attends the Tokyo G7 summit

Attends an EC summit & opposes sanctions against South Africa

Attends an EC summit & opposes sanctions against South Africa

Financial Services Act 1986 reforms financial markets regulation and supports the Big Bang changes in the City

Gas Act 1986 restructures the gas industry and enables British Gas privatisation

Insolvency Act 1986 consolidates and reforms insolvency law

Financial Services Act, removes trade restrictions

During Margaret Hilda Thatcher's government, an artificial heart programme begins at Harefield Hospital.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: An artificial heart programme begins at Harefield Hospital.

This NHS development occurs while Margaret Hilda Thatcher serves as Prime Minister: An artificial heart programme begins at Harefield Hospital.

During Margaret Hilda Thatcher's government, professor John Dark carries out Europe's first lung-only transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: Professor John Dark carries out Europe's first lung-only transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

This NHS development occurs while Margaret Hilda Thatcher serves as Prime Minister: Professor John Dark carries out Europe's first lung-only transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

British Gas is sold for œ5,434 million

Public Order Act 1986 revises public order offences and racial hatred provisions

Financial Services Act, removes trade restrictions, the "Big Bang"

Opposes the US sanctions against Libya

The Government proceeds with construction planning for Vanguard class ballistic missile submarines

Visits Georgia

Appears on Russian TV. 23 March-2 April, visits Russia & is allowed to see the streets & shops

Levying of the community charge begins in Scotland

The Conservatives win 42.3% of votes cast & 376 MPs. The Conservative majority is cut to 101. Conservatives 375, Labour 229, Liberals 17, SDP 5 & others 24

Wins a third consecutive Conservative general election victory.

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 3rd term

The Conservative election victory confirms continued support for the Trident programme

Thatcher rules out joining the European Central Bank

Dramatic falls in the stock market following "black monday" in Wall St

Quoted in the press saying, "there is no such thing as society"

Banking Act 1987 strengthens banking supervision after earlier banking failures

Consumer Protection Act 1987 introduces product liability and consumer safety provisions

Criminal Justice Act 1987 creates the Serious Fraud Office and changes fraud investigation powers

Agrees on the eve of the election with Lawson & Walker to privatize electricity

During Margaret Hilda Thatcher's government, britain's first purpose-built AIDS ward opens at the Middlesex Hospital.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: Britain's first purpose-built AIDS ward opens at the Middlesex Hospital.

This NHS development occurs while Margaret Hilda Thatcher serves as Prime Minister: Britain's first purpose-built AIDS ward opens at the Middlesex Hospital.

During Margaret Hilda Thatcher's government, the world's first heart, lung and liver transplant is carried out at Papworth Hospital.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: The world's first heart, lung and liver transplant is carried out at Papworth Hospital.

This NHS development occurs while Margaret Hilda Thatcher serves as Prime Minister: The world's first heart, lung and liver transplant is carried out at Papworth Hospital.

The British Airports Authority is sold for œ1,281 million. Rolls Royce is sold for œ1,363 million. British Airways is sold for œ900 million. Agrees on the eve of the election with Lawson & Walker to privatize electricity

The Government proposes football fans should carry ID cards, later abandoned

The NUS calls a national strike in support of the 161 crew sacked by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for refusing to accept new terms & conditions

The National Union of Seamen (NUS) backs down in the High Court after a three-day stoppage, which has stifled seafaring trade and transport in the UK

The National Union of Seamen (NUS) backs down in the High Court after a three-day stoppage, which has stifled seafaring trade and transport in the UK

Thousands of seamen at major british ports are continuing to strike even though their union has called an end to the action

Delivers the Bruges speech criticising centralising tendencies in Europe.

Thatcher delivers a major speech criticising European centralisation.

Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 modernises copyright, design, and patent law

Education Reform Act 1988 creates the national curriculum and changes school and higher education governance

Speaks of her unease at the prospect of a re-united Germany

The DHSS is split into the Health & Social Security Departments

Housing Act 1988 creates assured tenancies and reforms private rented housing

The Employment Act gives union members access to accounts. The Employment Act creates a special commissioner. Criminal Justice Act, the Attorney General to appeal against Crown Court sentences

The Employment Act gives union members the right not to strike. The Employment Act gives union members the right not to be disciplined by their unions. The Employment Act gives union members access to accounts. The DHSS is split into the Health & Social Security Departments. Criminal Justice Act, the Attorney General to appeal against Crown Court sentences

Local Government Finance Act 1988 creates the community charge and national non-domestic rating

During Margaret Hilda Thatcher's government, free breast screening is introduced for women over 50.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: Free breast screening is introduced for women over 50.

This NHS development occurs while Margaret Hilda Thatcher serves as Prime Minister: Free breast screening is introduced for women over 50.

British Steel is sold for œ2,500 million

The Employment Act gives union members the right not to strike. The Employment Act gives union members the right not to be disciplined by their unions. The Employment Act gives union members access to accounts. The DHSS is split into the Health & Social Security Departments. Criminal Justice Act, the Attorney General to appeal against Crown Court sentences

Makes her Bruges speech in which she recalls how Britain stood alone in 1940

Establishes TECs & decentralizes training & increases employer input

Thatcher distances herself from US vows to punish whoever bombed Pam Am Flight 103, saying in a TV interview that revenge "can affect innocent people"

Thatcher distances herself from US vows to punish whoever bombed Pam Am Flight 103, saying in a TV interview that revenge "can affect innocent people"

The Ayatollah Khomeini calls for the death of Salman Rushdie. Iran breaks off diplomatic relations with Britain

The Poll tax is introduced in Scotland

Leon Brittan reveals PMs Private Secretary & Press Officer leaked the Westland letter

Abolition of the National Dock Labour Scheme announced

Celebrates 10 yrs as Prime Minister

Labour win the Vale of Glamorgan by-election

Appointed Economic Adviser to Maragaret Thatcher

Britain agrees to enter the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) when the 3 convergence conditions are met

Britain agrees to enter the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) when the 3 convergence conditions are met

Lawson & Howe force Thatcher into joining the ERM

The Government proposes to legalize the legal profession

John Major becomes Foreign Secretary. Howe becomes Lord President of the Council, Leader of the Commons & Deputy PM

Thatcher visits Japan

Interest rates rise to 15%

Thatcher refuses to join Commonwealth sanctions against South Africa

Thatcher refuses to join Commonwealth sanctions against South Africa

Thatcher delivers her Commons statement on the Kuala Lumpur conference

Resigns as personal Adviser to Maragaret Thatcher

Lawson resigns as Chabcellor

Thatcher informs Major in private that Lawson is going to resign

The Commonwealth supports sanctions against South Africa, only Britain is opposed

The Commonwealth supports sanctions against South Africa, only Britain is opposed

Major and Hurd convince the Cabinet to sign Britain up to the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) effectively guaranteeing that the British Government would follow a policy preventing the pound and other member currencies from fluctuating by more than 6%.

With UK inflation at three times the rate of Germany's, interest rates at 15% and the "Lawson Boom" about to bust, the conditions for joining the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) were not favourable at that time.

Major and Hurd convince the Cabinet to sign Britain up to the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) effectively guaranteeing that the British Government would follow a policy preventing the pound and other member currencies from fluctuating by more than 6%.

With UK inflation at three times the rate of Germany's, interest rates at 15% and the "Lawson Boom" about to bust, the conditions for joining the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) were not favourable at that time.

With UK inflation at three times the rate of Germany's, interest rates at 15% and the "Lawson Boom" about to bust, the conditions for joining the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) were not favourable at that time

Defeats Anthony Meyer in the Conservative Party leadersip contest, 313 votes to 33

The Broadcasting Bill is published

The Commons votes to prosecute war criminals

Banks refuse to continue Government plans for student loans

The Government announces it will grant UK citizenship to 225,000 from Hong Kong

Companies Act 1989 amends company law, audit, and financial reporting rules

There is a clash between Lawson and Alan Walters when the latter claims the ERM is "half baked", Lawson resigns and is replaced by John Major

Electricity Act 1989 restructures and privatises the electricity industry

Matters come to a head in a clash between Lawson and Thatchers economic adviser Alan Walters, when Walters claims that the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) is "half baked", Lawson resigns as Chancellor to be replaced by John Major

A White Paper proposes an internal market of self-governing NHS trusts

Official Secrets Act 1989 replaces parts of earlier secrecy law with specific disclosure offences

The Regional Water Companies are sold for 5,110 million pounds

A White Paper proposes an internal market of self-governing NHS trusts

Water Act 1989 restructures the water industry and enables water privatisation

The Department of the Environment estimates the Community Charge will average 340 pounds. Dept of the Environment estimates for the Charge are double original estimates

The ambulance dispute is settled

The Tories lose Mid-Staffordshire after holding it with a majority of over 19,000. Labour win the Mid-Staffordshire by-election

Poll Tax demonstrations in Trafalgar Square lead to arrests and damage.

The anti-poll-tax demonstration turns violent in Trafalgar Square.

The Community Charge takes effect in England & Wales

44 Conservative MPs rebel against the Hong Kong Citizenship Bill

44 Conservative MPs rebel against the Hong Kong Citizenship Bill

The House of Lords rejects the War Crimes Bill

The IRA bomb the Carlton Club

The IRA bomb the Carlton Club

Government record concerning the IRA: The IRA bomb the Carlton Club

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: The IRA bomb the Carlton Club

IRA context for Margaret Hilda Thatcher: The IRA bomb the Carlton Club

Nicholas Ridley resigns from the Government after the Spectator interview

The Government gives œ3,000m to reduce the impact of the poll tax

An IRA bomb explodes at the Stock Exchange

An IRA bomb explodes at the Stock Exchange

Government record concerning the IRA: An IRA bomb explodes at the Stock Exchange

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: An IRA bomb explodes at the Stock Exchange

IRA context for Margaret Hilda Thatcher: An IRA bomb explodes at the Stock Exchange

Ian Gow is killed by an IRA car bomb

Ian Gow is killed by an IRA car bomb

Government record concerning the IRA: Ian Gow is killed by an IRA car bomb

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: Ian Gow is killed by an IRA car bomb

IRA context for Margaret Hilda Thatcher: Ian Gow is killed by an IRA car bomb

Sets the standard community charge at 379 pounds. 3 billion pounds extra is found from the Government to keep the community charge below 400 pounds

Thatcher visits Czechoslovakia

Thatcher visits Hungary

Britain resumes diplomatic relations with Iran after the Rushdie affair

Inflation rises to 10.9%

Inflation rises to 10.9%

Rejects proposals for deeper European political union in the House of Commons.

Howes resignation speech during the leadership election criticizes Thatcher

Howes resignation speech during the leadership election criticizes Thatcher

Wins a majority of the party, over 187, but 4 short of stopping a 2nd ballot. Wins 204 votes to Michael Heseltines 152 in the party leadership election. Conservative leadership 1st ballot, Thatcher 204, Heseltine 152 & 16 abstentions

Anounces live on TV she will go forward to the 2nd ballot

Wins 204 votes to Michael Heseltine's 152 in the first leadership ballot but does not achieve the margin required to avoid a second ballot.

Wins 204 votes to Michael Heseltines 152 in the party leadership election

Remains Prime Minister after the first ballot while the Conservative leadership contest proceeds to a second round.

Announces she will not contest the 2nd ballot

Announces her intention to resign

Announces her resignation as Conservative leader and Prime Minister.

Resigns as Prime Minister

Awarded the Order of Merit

Broadcasting Act 1990 restructures independent television and radio regulation

Employment Act, employment cannot be conditional on TU membership

Environmental Protection Act 1990 reforms pollution control, waste regulation, and statutory nuisance law

Food Safety Act 1990 modernises food safety enforcement and offences

Employment Act, employment cannot be conditional on TU membership. Employment Act, employers cannot deny someone a job because they are not a TU member

National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 creates NHS internal market and community care reforms

The Employment Act, resticts the closed shop. Employment Act, employers cannot deny someone a job because they are not TU member

Sets the standard community charge at œ379. œ3 billion extra is found from the Government to keep the community charge below œ400. The Department of the Environment estimates the Community Charge will average 340 pounds. Dept of the Environment estimates for the Charge are double original estimates. The RPI Advisery Committee will include the Community Charge in the Retail Price Index

Thatcher leaves office with the Trident programme established as Britain's planned strategic deterrent

Announces she will not stand at the next election

Announces she will not stand at the next election

Heffer has a memorial service at St Margarets, Westminster, attended by Thatcher

Publishes an article in The European opposing British ratification of the Maastricht Treaty.

Encourages Conservative resistance to further European political integration.

Publicly opposes the Maastricht settlement during the Conservative conference.

Death of Alan Arthur Walters, upon hearing of his death Lady Thatcher describes him as "radical, fearless" and the "finest of friends"

Death of Margaret Thatcher