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Decimalisation and Ulster in Flames
In 1971 Britain went decimal. This is the year Ted Heath negotiated Britain's future entry into the European Community. on equal terms with France, Germany and Italy.
The situation in Ireland continued to worsen. The IRA split - the more violent group broke off and called themselves the Provisionals. An extensive bombing campaign began. The first British soldier died on duty in the Ardoyne district of Belfast.
Sir Alec Douglas-Home was the Foreign Secretary. He was faced with a Soviet problem. Of 550 Soviet officials in London 300 were spies. Douglas-Home demanded that the Russians cut back their intelligence operation. They refused. Douglas-Home expelled 105 Russians.
Edward Heath |
EDWARD RICHARD GORDON HEATH (b 1916)- Born at Broadstairs and educated at Oxford
- Conducted many choruses and orchestras as much for his musicianship as his celebrity
- During World War II, Heath was decorated for bravery during the Second World War
- Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974
- Remembered for taking Britain into the EEC in 1973 and for his confrontation with the unions during the Winter of Discontent
- Lost the General Election on his slogan Who Governs Britain
- Succeeded as party leader by Margaret Thatcher
- An accomplished yachtsman, he skippered the British team in the demanding Admiral's Cup series
Crash helmets became compulsory for motorcyclists in 1971.
Historic British Coinage That Was Phased Out With Introduction Of Decimalisation
The Three-penny piece and the farthing (a quarter of one penny) had already gone Instead of 20 shillings to the £ and 240 old pennies to the £1, there were now 100 pennies to the £ - Half-Crown - 12.5p
- 2 shilling piece (Florin)- 10p
- Shilling (Bob) - 5p
- Sixpence (Tanner) - 2.5p
- Penny
- Halfpenny
 
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| 1965 | Sir Alec Douglas-Home resigns as Tory leader and is succeeded by Edward Heath
Rhodesia declares UDI (Unilateral Declaration of Independence)
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| 1966 | Barclay's Bank introduces the first British credit card
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| 1967 | The Pound is devalued
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| 1968 | The Commonwealth Immigration Act is passed
Anti Vietnam War riots throughout Europe
Student riots in Paris
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| 1969 | Extra troops sent to Ulster - start of present "Troubles"
Knox-Johnston, first non-stop single handed circumnavigation
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| 1970 | General Election. Edward Heath becomes Tory PM
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| 1971 | The Industrial Relations Act is passed
Decimal Currency introduced
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| 1972 | The Northern Irish Parliament is replaced by Westminster
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| 1973 | Britain joins the EEC
VAT is introduced
Yom Kippur War
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| 1974 | Labour win General Election. Harold Wilson once more PM
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| 1975 | British EEC Referendum
Sex Discrimination Act
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| 1976 | Harold Wilson resigns as leader of Labour Party. James Callaghan succeeds him as leader and PM
Race Relations Act
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| 1977 | Nationalisation of aircraft industry
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| 1978 | New pope is John Paul II
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