UK Confidential

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1976 Dec 29, 2006

Show notes

Martha Kearney presents a look at the events of 1976, as told through the Cabinet papers, Foreign Office Documents and other Government papers that are being released released under the thirty year rule at the end of the year.

UK CONFIDENTIAL features Harold Wilson's resignation and failing health, Rhodesia, Trade Union relations at breaking point, the Cod Wars, Chairman Mao's death, the drought, the run on the pound and Cabinet splits over the IMF loan.

The programme includes extracts from papers read by actors, discussions with Lord Donoughue, Peter McKay and Baroness Williams, plus reports compiled by correspondents at the time.

Producer: Emily Williams

A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4, in association with Takeaway Media.

1975 Dec 31, 2005

Show notes

Martha Kearney looks at the events of 1975, as told through the cabinet papers, Foreign Office Documents and those of other Government departments that are released under the thirty year rule at the end of the year.

UK CONFIDENTIAL features the aftermath of President Nixon's resignation over Watergate, Harold Wilson's failing health, Trade Union negotiations starting to break down, IRA activity and security arrangements following terrorist attacks in Northern Ireland, Cabinet splits on the need for a European Referendum, the British Government's relationships with Iraq's Ba'ath party leader Saddam Hussain, pandas at London Zoo and the John Stonehouse Affair.

Taking part are Anthony Howard, Jon Snow, Giles Foden, Joe Haines, Baroness Williams and Jim McDowell. A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4, in association with Takeaway Media.

Producer: Emily Williams.

1974 Jan 01, 2005

Show notes

1974 was a year of political confusion and domestic strife. There was the Three Day week, a Miners Strike and two General Elections as well as on-going problems over Northern Ireland and Cyprus, and an attempt to kidnap Princess Anne.

With exclusive access to papers released by The National Archives under the thirty year rule, Sue MacGregor presents UK CONFIDENTIAL, a special Radio 4 programme which will give a new insight on many of the political decisions and controversies of the time.

The programme also features interviews with Tony Benn (the then Secretary of State for Industry), Sir Edward Heath, Lord Walker (the then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry), Merlyn Rees (the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland), Lord Fitt, Patrick Jenkin (the then Chief Secretary to the Treasury) and other politicians and civil servants of the day who will talk candidly about the events of that year for the first time.

Also taking part are Lord Howard, Joe Haines, Ian Aitken and Lord Armstrong.

Producer: David Prest and Louise Adamson

A Whistledown Production, in association with Takeaway Media.

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