History

Thatcher – A Very British Revolution episode 5 – Downfall: Mrs Thatcher’s leadership style and judgement on Europe and the poll tax create splits in her cabinet and public anger, leading to the challenge that ends in her dramatic downfall. In episode five of the series covers the period after the 1987 election when Mrs Thatcher secured a third term as prime minister. She sets out to play a full part in international affairs, partnering with American Presidents Reagan and Bush to engage with the Soviet Union and play a pivotal role in the journey to the end of the

Thatcher – A Very British Revolution episode 4 – That Bloody Woman: As Mrs Thatcher’s government transforms the British economy, tensions erupt within her inner circle and personal relationships in her own family are exposed. In episode four of the series Mrs Thatcher and her government seek to transform the British economy with far reaching consequences. Tensions surface amongst her closest allies as she seeks to improve her public image and events reveal that the Iron Lady has emotional vulnerabilities in relation to her family. Mrs Thatcher’s reputation amongst some sections of the public is poor. Her forthright style, such

Thatcher – A Very British Revolution episode 3 – Enemies: The third episode sees Mrs Thatcher plunged into dramatic conflicts with determined enemies that will define her premiership and her legacy. Against a backdrop of economic downturn Mrs Thatcher is struggling in the opinion polls and is labelled the “least popular prime minister since polling began” but her public image is transformed by a totally unexpected turn of events in the South Atlantic. When Argentine forces occupy the British Falkland Islands Mrs Thatcher finds herself a war leader. She wins the respect of the public by remaining resolute in her

Thatcher – A Very British Revolution episode 2 – Power:  Mrs Thatcher’s victory in the 1979 general election propels her into power as Britain’s first female prime minister. On the steps of Downing Street she promises “hope” and “harmony” but her first two years are characterised by disruption and division. Her first cabinet is split between a small group who are aligned with her plans for radical change, but the majority are experienced ministers from the traditional power base of the party who prefer a more consensual style of politics. From day one there is friction between Mrs Thatcher and

Thatcher – A Very British Revolution episode 1 – Making Margaret: In the first episode of this series charting the irresistible rise and dramatic downfall of Margaret Thatcher, her inner circle reveals how Margaret Thatcher manages to overcome her outsider status to become a prominent political figure in Britain. After a controversial policy has the press label her the ‘Milk-snatcher’ her political future is in jeopardy but she survives when prime minister Edward Heath decides not to sack her. Dismayed by his stewardship of the country in the early 1970s Mrs Thatcher challenges Heath for leadership of the Conservatives. As