Fulham FC
A statue of Johnny Haynes is unveiled at Craven Cottage before the Premier League match against Sunderland
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
2008 in Great Britain — Page 3
Explore 165 historical events and records for Great Britain in 2008.
Historical records for Great Britain in 2008
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 40 of 165 unique records.
165Unique records
3 of 5Page
39Named events on this page
25Named people on this page
13Places on this page
October
Statue
A statue of Johnny Haynes is unveiled at Craven Cottage before the Premier League match against Sunderland
November
Takes Office as Director of Public Prosecutions
Starmer begins serving as Director of Public Prosecutions and head of the CPS.
Credit Crunch
The Government establishes UK Financial Investments to manage taxpayer shareholdings acquired through emergency support for major British banks.
Credit Crunch
Darling announces a temporary cut in VAT to fifteen percent and additional fiscal measures intended to support demand during the worsening recession.
Temporary VAT Reduction
The Government announces a temporary reduction in VAT to support demand during recession.
Climate Change Act
The Climate Change Act establishes legally binding emissions-reduction targets.
Climate Change Act Royal Assent
Brown's government enacts the world's first statutory national emissions-reduction framework.
Counter-Terrorism Act
The Counter-Terrorism Act changes information, sentencing and investigative powers.
Economic Affairs Committee Term Ends
Completes his first recorded term on the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee after four years of committee service.
Bobby Robson Foundation
By November 2008 the Foundation had raised 1 million pounds
December
Barnett Formula Committee Membership
Joins the House of Lords Barnett Formula Committee examining the system used to determine aspects of public expenditure allocations across the United Kingdom.
Sports Personality of the Year
Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year
FIFA Club World Cup Championship
Ferguson’s Manchester United defeat LDU Quito in Japan to become FIFA Club World Cup champions, adding a global club trophy to their successful year.
Manager
Appointed manager of Leeds United
Eighteen-Week Referral Target
The NHS reaches broad implementation of the eighteen-week referral-to-treatment standard, substantially reducing long elective waits compared with earlier years.
Other events (month unknown)
Academy Award
Wins the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Michael Clayton.
Adams Succeeds Redknapp at Fratton Park
Adams takes charge of Portsmouth after Harry Redknapp's departure, inheriting a squad adjusting to significant changes.
An Appeal to Reason Publication
Publishes An Appeal to Reason, setting out his arguments on climate change policy, economic costs and the appropriate scale of government intervention.
Appointment as Director of Public Prosecutions
Starmer is appointed to lead the Crown Prosecution Service.
Budget
Alistair Maclean Darling presents the 2008 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Budget Policy
The 2008 Budget under Alistair Maclean Darling sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.
Champions League Final Shootout Against United
Lampard equalises against Manchester United in the Champions League final and converts his shootout kick, although Chelsea ultimately lose on penalties.
Champions League Goal Against Inter Milan
Gerrard helps Liverpool secure a 2-0 aggregate victory over Inter Milan, controlling midfield in a difficult European away match.
Champions League Penalty Against Marseille
Gerrard scores twice, including a penalty, as Liverpool defeat Marseille away from home in Champions League group play.
Champions League Winner Against Marseille
Gerrard scores twice in Liverpool's 2-1 victory away to Marseille, turning an early deficit into three Champions League group-stage points.
Championship Golden Boot
Finishes as the Championship’s top scorer during his first months with Wolves after joining from Plymouth Argyle.
Charlton Midfield Signing
Bailey joins Charlton Athletic and provides energetic midfield play during the club's Championship campaign.
Chelsea Player of the Year Recognition
Lampard earns acclaim among Chelsea supporters for continuing to deliver goals and leadership amid the club's European and domestic campaigns.
Chronophage Corpus Clock
Presides over the unveiling of the Chronophage Corpus Clock (time eating) clock at Corpus Christi College Cambridge
Club World Cup Winning Goal
Rooney scores the only goal as ten-man Manchester United defeat LDU Quito and become FIFA Club World Cup champions.
Defoe Begins Portsmouth Goal Scoring Spell
Defoe joins Portsmouth from Tottenham Hotspur and adds pace and finishing to the attack during the club's successful cup-winning era.
Emotional Champions League Penalty Against Liverpool
Lampard converts an extra-time penalty against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final soon after his mother's death, helping Chelsea reach the final.
England Victory in Croatia Qualifier
Beckham remained part of the England squad as Fabio Capello began qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. His international experience helped provide depth during a successful campaign that included a 4–1 away win in Croatia.
Financial Crisis Opposition Response
Challenges the Labour government over its handling of the financial crisis and public finances.
First Major League Soccer Full Season
Beckham completed his first full MLS regular season with LA Galaxy after injury disrupted his arrival year. He became a key playmaker while the club adjusted to the attention generated by his signing.
Forest League One Automatic Promotion
Colin Calderwood led Nottingham Forest to second place in League One in 2007-08. Automatic promotion restored the club to the Championship after three seasons in the third tier.
Forest League One Promotion Midfield Role
Chris Cohen featured regularly for Nottingham Forest during the 2007-08 League One promotion campaign. His versatility and energy helped the club finish in an automatic promotion place.
Forest League One Promotion Pace
Nathan Tyson offered pace and direct attacking play as Nottingham Forest earned promotion from League One in 2008. His contribution helped the club return to the second tier of English football.
Galaxy Goal Against San Jose
Beckham scored from long range for LA Galaxy against San Jose Earthquakes during the 2008 season. The finish highlighted the technique that had made him famous for spectacular goals from distance.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.