Release Date

24 Jan, 2003

Runtime

02:00: (HH:MM)

Synopsis

Twenty years ago, Britain went to war - with itself. In March 1984, Mrs Thatcher's government announced plans to close 20 coal mines, with the loss of 20,000 jobs. The Miners' leader, Arthur Scargill, led his workers out on strike. What followed was the ultimate left verses right showdown, a colossal battle for the political heart of a nation, with an epoch-making, era-defining moment of social significance unparalleled since World War II. This feature length documentary tells the story of the year-long struggle that split friends, families and the country apart, led to shocking scenes of violence, and made many fear that George Orwell's nightmare vision of a police state was becoming a reality. After this war, Britain would never be the same again.

Original Title

Strike: When Britain Went to War

Photos

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Actors

Sarah Lancashire

Arthur Scargill

Margaret Thatcher

Tim Bell

Tony Benn

Boris Johnson

Neil Kinnock

Kelvin MacKenzie

Matthew Parris

Alexei Sayle

Midge Ure

Phil Woolas

Crew