4 January 2003Leader of House of CommonsJohn Reid
Appointed Leader of the House of Commons
Historical records for Great Britain in 2003, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Appointed Leader of the House of Commons
Dies at East Hendred in Oxfordshire after a heart attack
Death of Roy Jenkins
The Bank of England cuts interest rates to 3.75%, lowest for 50 yrs
The Bank of England reduces its policy rate to 3.75 percent.
The Bank of England cuts interest rates to 3.75%, lowest for 50 yrs
At least 1 million demonstrate against the war in Iraq
Addresses one of Britain's largest anti-war demonstrations.
Traffic levels fall 25% on the 1st day of the congestion charge
Makes senior international debut aged 17, becoming the youngest player to represent England
Nationwide demonstrations against war in Iraq
The FTSE-100 slumps to an 8 yr low
Brown monitors financial conditions as the FTSE 100 falls to an eight-year low.
Unlike the first Gulf War or the war in Afghanistan (2001), this war had no explicit United Nations authorisation
Robin Cook resigns over the Governments policy on war in Iraq
Robin Cook resigns over the Governments policy on war in Iraq
The bombing of Iraq by the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Poland, Australia, and Denmark begins
Blair wins Parliamentary vote over Iraq war but 139 party members defy him
Three Government ministers resigned in protest at the war, John Denham, Lord Hunt of King's Heath, and the then Leader of the House of Commons Robin Cook. The UK Parliament held a debate on going to war on March 18, 2003 where the Government motion was approved 412 to 149
Wins Commons backing for military action in Iraq.
Three Government ministers resigned in protest at the war, John Denham, Lord Hunt of King's Heath, and the then Leader of the House of Commons Robin Cook
Three Government ministers resigned in protest at the war, John Denham, Lord Hunt of King's Heath, and the then Leader of the House of Commons Robin Cook
Foreign minister Robin Cook resigns
139 Laboor MPs vote against the war, but the Commons votes 412 to 149 in favour
According to Blair, the trigger was Iraq's failure to take a "final opportunity" to disarm itself of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons that US and British officials called an immediate and intolerable threat to world peace
Start of the conflict known as the Iraq War or Operation Iraqi Freedom in which a combined force of troops from the United States, alongside the United Kingdom, and smaller contingents from Australia and Poland.
The reasons for the invasion were "to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, to end Saddam Hussein's alleged support for terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people".
Start of the conflict known as the Iraq War or Operation Iraqi Freedom in which a combined force of troops from the United States, alongside the United Kingdom, and smaller contingents from Australia and Poland
The Battle of Umm Qasr is the first military confrontation in the Iraq War, with its objective the capture of the port. Allied forces advanced across Southern Iraq and after an amphibious landing forces captured the new port area of Umm Qasr then spend several more days fighting through the old town of Umm Qasr encountering fierce resistance
Allied forces advanced across Southern Iraq and after an amphibious landing forces captured the new port area of Umm Qasr then spend several more days fighting through the old town of Umm Qasr encountering fierce resistance
Allied forces advanced across Southern Iraq and after an amphibious landing forces captured the new port area of Umm Qasr then spend several more days fighting through the old town of Umm Qasr encountering fierce resistance
Appointed manager of Leeds United
The port is declared safe and reopened
Commands British armoured forces assembled in Kuwait.
In the 2003 Northern Ireland Assembly elections, the DUP overtake the UUP to become the largest party in Northern Ireland, achieving thirty seats to the UUPs twenty-seven
In the 2003 Northern Ireland Assembly elections, the DUP overtake the UUP to become the largest party in Northern Ireland, achieving thirty seats to the UUPs twenty-seven
Travels to Spain, France, Italy & the Azores but fails to secure a United Nations resolution
British troops, in what was codenamed Operation (or Op) TELIC participated in the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. A total of 46,000 troops of all the British Services were committed to the operation at its start. Including 5,000 Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary sailors and 4,000 Royal Marines, 26,000 British Army soldiers, and 8,100 Royal Air Force
British troops, in what was codenamed Operation (or Op) TELIC participated in the 2003 Invasion of Iraq
Prepares the division for operations around Basra.
Resigns from the Cabinet over the war with Iraq
Breaks the London Marathon world record, 2 hrs 15 mins 25 secs
Blair represents Britain when the Athens treaty completes the accession framework for ten incoming states.
Putin meets Blair & disagrees with the coalitions reasons for going to war with Iraq
An end of major combat operations is declared, ending the invasion period and beginning the military occupation period
Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command
Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command
Dr David Kelly meets Andrew Gilligan in the Charing Cross Hotel
Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command
Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command
Appears in archive performances on the Led Zeppelin DVD release.
Releases How the West Was Won, drawn from 1972 live recordings.
Andrew Gilligan says a senior official said the Iraq dossier was "sexed up"
Death of Mickie Most
BBC Radio 4 "Today" says the Government "sexed up" the dossier of Iraqs weapons
Radio 4 "Today" broadcast says the Government "sexed up" the Iraq weapons dossier. BBC Radio 4 "Today" says the Government "sexed up" the dossier of Iraqs weapons
Claire Short resigns over the Governments policy on war in Iraq
Resigns over the Governments policy of war in Iraq
Finance minister Brown rules out British adoption of the EU euro, dashing Blair hopes of placing Britain "at the heart of the European Union"
Finance minister Brown rules out British adoption of the EU euro, dashing Blair hopes of placing Britain "at the heart of the European Union"
Brown concludes that Britain should not adopt the euro because the economic tests are unmet.
The Treasury publishes detailed evidence supporting the decision against immediate euro entry.
The Treasury publishes its detailed assessment of the five economic tests.
His centenary renews public interest in Orwell's life and writing.
The Health Secretary, Alan Milburn, resigns from the Government
The Health Secretary, Alan Milburn, resigns from the Government
Appointed shadow minister in the Privy Council Office as deputy to Eric Forth.
Dr Kellys name is confirmed to a journalist by the MOD
Dr Kellys body is found at Harrowdown Hill
British weapons expert David Kelly commits suicide after being identified as the source of a BBC story alleging the Government had "sexed-up" intelligence on Iraqs banned weapons
British weapons expert David Kelly commits suicide after being identified as the source of a BBC story alleging the Government had "sexed-up" intelligence on Iraqs banned weapons
British weapons expert David Kelly commits suicide after being identified as the source of a BBC story alleging the Government had "sexed-up" intelligence on Iraqs banned weapons
British weapons expert David Kelly commits suicide after being identified as the source of a BBC story alleging the Government had "sexed-up" intelligence on Iraqs banned weapons
Death of David Kelly, an Iraq weapons inspector who commits suicide
Tony Blair announces an Inquiry will be held into the suicide of David Kelly
Awarded the Congressional Medal & receives a standing ovation from Congress
Faces a Labour rebellion & wins a Commons vote by 32 votes
Tony Blair announces an Inquiry will be held into the suicide of David Kelly. Death of David Kelly, an Iraq weapons inspector who commits suicide
Begins three Knebworth concerts that draw a record-breaking audience across the weekend.
Suffers a pulmonary embolism while abroad and his public appearances become limited.
Heath suffers a pulmonary embolism, while on holiday in Salzburg, Austria
Tony Blair gives evidence to the Hutton Inquiry. The Hutton inquiry begins, the Iraq war is kept in the spotlight
Resignation of Alistair Campbell, Tony Blairs adviser for 10 yrs
The redeveloped Bullring opens with new retail streets and the Selfridges building.
Releases Reality and begins what becomes his final major concert tour.
A report suggests Blair overrode security concerns invasion could increase terrorism
A report suggests Blair overrode security concerns invasion could increase terrorism
Brown urges Labour to remain bold, united and rooted in its political identity.
Death of Ronald William George Barker
Is appointed Liverpool captain by manager Gerard Houllier.
Blair given electric shocks to regulate heart palpitations in the first health scare of his premiership
At the Labour Party Conference Tony Blair suffers 2 defeats on foundation hospitals
At the Labour Party Conference Tony Blair suffers 2 defeats on foundation hospitals
Speculation grows that Blair may eventually support Brown as his successor.
Network Rail announces it is taking over track maintenance. At the Labour Party Conference Tony Blair suffers 2 defeats on foundation hospitals
Brown's allies claim new discussions concern the timing of Tony Blair's eventual departure.
Appointed Party Leader of the Conservative Party
Becomes Leader of the Conservative Party after Iain Duncan Smith is removed.
Wins a High Court Injunction banning publication of photos of royal apartments
Scores the winning drop goal against Australia in the last minute of extra-time
Sate opening of Parliament
Appointed vice-chairman of the Conservative Party under Michael Howard.
Invested as a Dame Commander of the British Empire
Mick Jagger is knighted
Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
Records Bananas, his first Deep Purple studio album as the band's full-time keyboard player.
Gives evidence to the Saville Inquiry about Northern Ireland policy.
Publication of "Brick Lane"
James Gordon Brown presents the 2003 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The 2003 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.
Appointed Liverpool Captain
Brown proposes savings accounts for children supported by government payments.
The Clash are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Communications Act 2003 creates Ofcom and reforms communications regulation
A full-scale reunion of Cream with Clapton, Bruce and Baker playing 4 sold-out concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall (the scene of their 1968 farewell shows)
A full-scale reunion of Cream with Clapton, Bruce and Baker playing 4 sold-out concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall (the scene of their 1968 farewell shows)
A full-scale reunion of Cream with Clapton, Bruce and Baker playing 4 sold-out concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall (the scene of their 1968 farewell shows)
Criminal Justice Act 2003 reforms sentencing, evidence, and criminal procedure
Death of George Kenneth Hotson Younger
Winner an Emmy for The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone
Lawton is inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his talents
Extradition Act 2003 reforms extradition procedures
Releases his autobiography, "Greavsie"
Donovan is awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of Hertfordshire
Licensing Act 2003 reforms alcohol, entertainment, and premises licensing
Releases Live at Knebworth, documenting the huge 2003 concerts.
Stars in Love Actually
Accepts the managers job with Division One strugglers Bradford City
Camilla moves into Charless homes at Highgrove and Clarence House
Starmer becomes a human-rights adviser to the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
Winnner of the OBE for services to football
Levene contributes to industrial rock supergroup Pigfaces album Easy Listening
Stars in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Stars in Love Actually
Burnham becomes parliamentary private secretary to Home Secretary David Blunkett.
Creates the electronic rock project Relaxed Muscle with Jason Buckle and performs under the alter ego Darren Spooner.
The Clash are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Clash are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by The Edge of U2
Releases, "Rupis Dance", solo
Gives evidence to the Saville Inquiry & states that he had never promoted or agreed to the use of unlawful lethal force in Northern Ireland
Serves on the opposition front bench with responsibilities connected to House of Commons business.
Publication of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"
Appears in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Stage winner of stage 19 of the Tour de France
Signs a nine-month contact with Chinese club Gansu Tianma in both a playing and coaching role, but after going to America for treatment against drink and depression in April, he failed to return
Blair's Government continues funding and maintaining the Trident submarine deterrent
World time trial champion
Winner of the UCI Track World Championships Gold, 4km Individual Pursuit
Appears opposite Ewan McGregor in the British drama Young Adam.
This page is generated from stored World History Database records matching the exact country and year shown above. Exact duplicate display records are collapsed. Records without a month are listed after the monthly sections. Source provenance varies by record; formal academic citation should be checked against the relevant primary source, archive or specialist historical reference.