Tides of History
@tidesofhistory.bsky.social
Commentary on Labour History, British Politics and Working Class Culture - Author of Hope & Glory
#OTD 1997. Gordon Brown delivers Labour’s first budget for 18 years 🧰
“Previous Budgets pursued the short-term interests of the few. This Budget advances the long-term interests of the many”
Windfall tax on privatised companies pays for education & welfare to work programme
“Previous Budgets pursued the short-term interests of the few. This Budget advances the long-term interests of the many”
Windfall tax on privatised companies pays for education & welfare to work programme
July 2, 2025 at 6:40 AM
#OTD 1997. Gordon Brown delivers Labour’s first budget for 18 years 🧰
“Previous Budgets pursued the short-term interests of the few. This Budget advances the long-term interests of the many”
Windfall tax on privatised companies pays for education & welfare to work programme
“Previous Budgets pursued the short-term interests of the few. This Budget advances the long-term interests of the many”
Windfall tax on privatised companies pays for education & welfare to work programme
24 years ago today…
John Prescott connects with the voters in Rhyl as Labour launch their election manifesto
🥊 👊
John Prescott connects with the voters in Rhyl as Labour launch their election manifesto
🥊 👊
May 16, 2025 at 7:34 AM
24 years ago today…
John Prescott connects with the voters in Rhyl as Labour launch their election manifesto
🥊 👊
John Prescott connects with the voters in Rhyl as Labour launch their election manifesto
🥊 👊
#OTD 1900. 125 years ago today.
Labour Party is founded.
The Labour Representation Committee (LRC) is formed in London following a socialist conference.
The 129 delegates pass Keir Hardie's motion to create “a distinct group to represent working class people in Parliament”.
Labour Party is founded.
The Labour Representation Committee (LRC) is formed in London following a socialist conference.
The 129 delegates pass Keir Hardie's motion to create “a distinct group to represent working class people in Parliament”.
February 27, 2025 at 9:40 AM
#OTD 1900. 125 years ago today.
Labour Party is founded.
The Labour Representation Committee (LRC) is formed in London following a socialist conference.
The 129 delegates pass Keir Hardie's motion to create “a distinct group to represent working class people in Parliament”.
Labour Party is founded.
The Labour Representation Committee (LRC) is formed in London following a socialist conference.
The 129 delegates pass Keir Hardie's motion to create “a distinct group to represent working class people in Parliament”.
#OTD 1979. 1.5 million workers out as part of a 'National Day of Action' in biggest strike since 1926
Callaghan says only “rank and file trade unionists”can “ensure that we do not plunge once more over the abyss”
He says the “survival of free trade unionism” is at stake now.
Callaghan says only “rank and file trade unionists”can “ensure that we do not plunge once more over the abyss”
He says the “survival of free trade unionism” is at stake now.
January 22, 2025 at 9:11 AM
#OTD 1979. 1.5 million workers out as part of a 'National Day of Action' in biggest strike since 1926
Callaghan says only “rank and file trade unionists”can “ensure that we do not plunge once more over the abyss”
He says the “survival of free trade unionism” is at stake now.
Callaghan says only “rank and file trade unionists”can “ensure that we do not plunge once more over the abyss”
He says the “survival of free trade unionism” is at stake now.
#OTD 1963. Death of Hugh Gaitskell.
As leader he had urged Labour to change:
"Above all our object must be to broaden our base, to be in touch always with ordinary people, to avoid becoming small cliques of isolated doctrine-ridden fanatics, out of touch with the mainstream"
As leader he had urged Labour to change:
"Above all our object must be to broaden our base, to be in touch always with ordinary people, to avoid becoming small cliques of isolated doctrine-ridden fanatics, out of touch with the mainstream"
January 18, 2025 at 10:55 AM
#OTD 1963. Death of Hugh Gaitskell.
As leader he had urged Labour to change:
"Above all our object must be to broaden our base, to be in touch always with ordinary people, to avoid becoming small cliques of isolated doctrine-ridden fanatics, out of touch with the mainstream"
As leader he had urged Labour to change:
"Above all our object must be to broaden our base, to be in touch always with ordinary people, to avoid becoming small cliques of isolated doctrine-ridden fanatics, out of touch with the mainstream"
#OTD 1979. Crisis? What Crisis?
Callaghan arrives back to transport strikes, fuel & food shortages and calls for a State of Emergency
He tells the press there is no “mounting chaos” and they should stop talking the country down.
He jokes that he might not be able to get a cup of tea.
Callaghan arrives back to transport strikes, fuel & food shortages and calls for a State of Emergency
He tells the press there is no “mounting chaos” and they should stop talking the country down.
He jokes that he might not be able to get a cup of tea.
January 10, 2025 at 8:06 AM
#OTD 1979. Crisis? What Crisis?
Callaghan arrives back to transport strikes, fuel & food shortages and calls for a State of Emergency
He tells the press there is no “mounting chaos” and they should stop talking the country down.
He jokes that he might not be able to get a cup of tea.
Callaghan arrives back to transport strikes, fuel & food shortages and calls for a State of Emergency
He tells the press there is no “mounting chaos” and they should stop talking the country down.
He jokes that he might not be able to get a cup of tea.
#OTD 2003. Death of Roy Jenkins.
In the 1970s he was a key figure in the 1975 UK referendum campaign to remain in the Common Market:
“I think we are in danger of getting bogged down in a debate about theoretical paper sovereignty”.
In the 1970s he was a key figure in the 1975 UK referendum campaign to remain in the Common Market:
“I think we are in danger of getting bogged down in a debate about theoretical paper sovereignty”.
January 5, 2025 at 9:27 AM
#OTD 2003. Death of Roy Jenkins.
In the 1970s he was a key figure in the 1975 UK referendum campaign to remain in the Common Market:
“I think we are in danger of getting bogged down in a debate about theoretical paper sovereignty”.
In the 1970s he was a key figure in the 1975 UK referendum campaign to remain in the Common Market:
“I think we are in danger of getting bogged down in a debate about theoretical paper sovereignty”.
RIP President Jimmy Carter aged 100
Here he is in 1977 on his famous visit to the North East with PM Jim Callaghan
There were crowds of 20,000 and Carter visited the Corning glassworks in Sunderland where he was given a special gift…
Here he is in 1977 on his famous visit to the North East with PM Jim Callaghan
There were crowds of 20,000 and Carter visited the Corning glassworks in Sunderland where he was given a special gift…
December 29, 2024 at 9:46 PM
RIP President Jimmy Carter aged 100
Here he is in 1977 on his famous visit to the North East with PM Jim Callaghan
There were crowds of 20,000 and Carter visited the Corning glassworks in Sunderland where he was given a special gift…
Here he is in 1977 on his famous visit to the North East with PM Jim Callaghan
There were crowds of 20,000 and Carter visited the Corning glassworks in Sunderland where he was given a special gift…
Wham! Last Christmas takes out the Xmas no 1 again 🌲
40 years ago, just a few weeks before it’s release the band had “risked their reputation” by playing a benefit gig for striking miners at Festival Hall, London ⛏️
40 years ago, just a few weeks before it’s release the band had “risked their reputation” by playing a benefit gig for striking miners at Festival Hall, London ⛏️
December 20, 2024 at 6:16 PM
Wham! Last Christmas takes out the Xmas no 1 again 🌲
40 years ago, just a few weeks before it’s release the band had “risked their reputation” by playing a benefit gig for striking miners at Festival Hall, London ⛏️
40 years ago, just a few weeks before it’s release the band had “risked their reputation” by playing a benefit gig for striking miners at Festival Hall, London ⛏️
#OTD 2019. “Brexit” Election. Johnson and the Conservatives win majority of 80.
It is Tories biggest win since 1987 and their highest share of the popular vote since 1979.
Labour drop to lowest number of MPs since 1935.
It is Tories biggest win since 1987 and their highest share of the popular vote since 1979.
Labour drop to lowest number of MPs since 1935.
December 12, 2024 at 9:30 AM
#OTD 2019. “Brexit” Election. Johnson and the Conservatives win majority of 80.
It is Tories biggest win since 1987 and their highest share of the popular vote since 1979.
Labour drop to lowest number of MPs since 1935.
It is Tories biggest win since 1987 and their highest share of the popular vote since 1979.
Labour drop to lowest number of MPs since 1935.
#OTD 1955. Clement Attlee steps down as Labour leader after 20 years in charge.
The Times leads the tributes to the man they say would be remembered as being "distressed by the needs of the needy, the poverty of the poor and the lack of opportunity for the many"
The Times leads the tributes to the man they say would be remembered as being "distressed by the needs of the needy, the poverty of the poor and the lack of opportunity for the many"
December 7, 2024 at 8:48 AM
#OTD 1955. Clement Attlee steps down as Labour leader after 20 years in charge.
The Times leads the tributes to the man they say would be remembered as being "distressed by the needs of the needy, the poverty of the poor and the lack of opportunity for the many"
The Times leads the tributes to the man they say would be remembered as being "distressed by the needs of the needy, the poverty of the poor and the lack of opportunity for the many"
#OTD 1923 Election. Tories forced to seek mandate on tariff reform as Labour win seats in North.
Labour argue tariffs "foster a spirit of profiteering, materialism and selfishness, poison the life of nations, lead to corruption in politics, promote trusts and monopolies, and impoverish the people"
Labour argue tariffs "foster a spirit of profiteering, materialism and selfishness, poison the life of nations, lead to corruption in politics, promote trusts and monopolies, and impoverish the people"
December 6, 2024 at 9:34 AM
#OTD 1923 Election. Tories forced to seek mandate on tariff reform as Labour win seats in North.
Labour argue tariffs "foster a spirit of profiteering, materialism and selfishness, poison the life of nations, lead to corruption in politics, promote trusts and monopolies, and impoverish the people"
Labour argue tariffs "foster a spirit of profiteering, materialism and selfishness, poison the life of nations, lead to corruption in politics, promote trusts and monopolies, and impoverish the people"
December 🌲🎅🎄🤶
December 1, 2024 at 10:34 AM
December 🌲🎅🎄🤶
#OTD 1942. The Beveridge Report published.
His plan is to tackle the five giants of idleness, ignorance, disease, squalor and want through welfare state.
The Daily Mail say it will "create a world sensation" and demonstrates Britain's "capacity for leadership" despite the war.
His plan is to tackle the five giants of idleness, ignorance, disease, squalor and want through welfare state.
The Daily Mail say it will "create a world sensation" and demonstrates Britain's "capacity for leadership" despite the war.
December 1, 2024 at 8:50 AM
#OTD 1942. The Beveridge Report published.
His plan is to tackle the five giants of idleness, ignorance, disease, squalor and want through welfare state.
The Daily Mail say it will "create a world sensation" and demonstrates Britain's "capacity for leadership" despite the war.
His plan is to tackle the five giants of idleness, ignorance, disease, squalor and want through welfare state.
The Daily Mail say it will "create a world sensation" and demonstrates Britain's "capacity for leadership" despite the war.
Watching the brilliant Goodnight Sweetheart as a young kid and thinking time travel to 1945 would be quite cool 😎
Thank you Gary Sparrow 😉
Thank you Gary Sparrow 😉
November 28, 2024 at 9:09 PM
Watching the brilliant Goodnight Sweetheart as a young kid and thinking time travel to 1945 would be quite cool 😎
Thank you Gary Sparrow 😉
Thank you Gary Sparrow 😉
#OTD 1935. Clement Attlee elected Labour Leader with Arthur Greenwood as Deputy
Attlee admits the task of leading will be “heavy and difficult” but cheered by the “magnificent spirit of comradeship in the movement”
He remained leader for 20 years
Attlee admits the task of leading will be “heavy and difficult” but cheered by the “magnificent spirit of comradeship in the movement”
He remained leader for 20 years
November 26, 2024 at 10:41 AM
#OTD 1935. Clement Attlee elected Labour Leader with Arthur Greenwood as Deputy
Attlee admits the task of leading will be “heavy and difficult” but cheered by the “magnificent spirit of comradeship in the movement”
He remained leader for 20 years
Attlee admits the task of leading will be “heavy and difficult” but cheered by the “magnificent spirit of comradeship in the movement”
He remained leader for 20 years
#OTD 1964. Sterling crisis continues to destabilise the Wilson Government.
Eleven nations put together a record $3billion rescue package of currencies to help Britain defend “the beleaguered pound sterling” at its value of $2.80.
Eleven nations put together a record $3billion rescue package of currencies to help Britain defend “the beleaguered pound sterling” at its value of $2.80.
November 25, 2024 at 10:01 AM
#OTD 1964. Sterling crisis continues to destabilise the Wilson Government.
Eleven nations put together a record $3billion rescue package of currencies to help Britain defend “the beleaguered pound sterling” at its value of $2.80.
Eleven nations put together a record $3billion rescue package of currencies to help Britain defend “the beleaguered pound sterling” at its value of $2.80.
#OTD 1922. Clement Attlee makes his Commons Maiden Speech on the "absolute folly" of unemployment in Britain:
"As the nation was organised for war and death, so it can be organised for peace and life if we have the will for it"
"As the nation was organised for war and death, so it can be organised for peace and life if we have the will for it"
November 23, 2024 at 8:29 AM
#OTD 1922. Clement Attlee makes his Commons Maiden Speech on the "absolute folly" of unemployment in Britain:
"As the nation was organised for war and death, so it can be organised for peace and life if we have the will for it"
"As the nation was organised for war and death, so it can be organised for peace and life if we have the will for it"
#OTD 1990. Thatcher quits as Tory leader.
Kinnock calls for an election - but Thatcher refuses and argues that there wasn’t one in 1976 when Wilson quit.
Back then though she had also called for a snap election…
Kinnock calls for an election - but Thatcher refuses and argues that there wasn’t one in 1976 when Wilson quit.
Back then though she had also called for a snap election…
November 22, 2024 at 5:34 PM
#OTD 1990. Thatcher quits as Tory leader.
Kinnock calls for an election - but Thatcher refuses and argues that there wasn’t one in 1976 when Wilson quit.
Back then though she had also called for a snap election…
Kinnock calls for an election - but Thatcher refuses and argues that there wasn’t one in 1976 when Wilson quit.
Back then though she had also called for a snap election…
2001. Labour Manifesto Launch.
Deputy PM John Prescott is hit by an egg after encountering pro-fox-hunting protesters in Rhyl.
He responds with a left jab.
Prescott later tells Blair 'well you asked me to go out and connect with the electorate'.
RIP JP 🌹🌹🌹
Deputy PM John Prescott is hit by an egg after encountering pro-fox-hunting protesters in Rhyl.
He responds with a left jab.
Prescott later tells Blair 'well you asked me to go out and connect with the electorate'.
RIP JP 🌹🌹🌹
November 21, 2024 at 7:18 AM
2001. Labour Manifesto Launch.
Deputy PM John Prescott is hit by an egg after encountering pro-fox-hunting protesters in Rhyl.
He responds with a left jab.
Prescott later tells Blair 'well you asked me to go out and connect with the electorate'.
RIP JP 🌹🌹🌹
Deputy PM John Prescott is hit by an egg after encountering pro-fox-hunting protesters in Rhyl.
He responds with a left jab.
Prescott later tells Blair 'well you asked me to go out and connect with the electorate'.
RIP JP 🌹🌹🌹
“I’m me and John is John.
And I’ll tell you he’s got many great strengths….
Not least in his left arm”.
RIP the legend that was John Prescott
🌹🌹🌹
And I’ll tell you he’s got many great strengths….
Not least in his left arm”.
RIP the legend that was John Prescott
🌹🌹🌹
November 21, 2024 at 7:11 AM
“I’m me and John is John.
And I’ll tell you he’s got many great strengths….
Not least in his left arm”.
RIP the legend that was John Prescott
🌹🌹🌹
And I’ll tell you he’s got many great strengths….
Not least in his left arm”.
RIP the legend that was John Prescott
🌹🌹🌹
#OTD 1984. British Telecom privatisation begins with sale of 50.2% of shares following huge advertising campaign.
Labour call it an act of “vandalism” and promise to renationalise it.
Labour call it an act of “vandalism” and promise to renationalise it.
November 20, 2024 at 10:40 AM
#OTD 1984. British Telecom privatisation begins with sale of 50.2% of shares following huge advertising campaign.
Labour call it an act of “vandalism” and promise to renationalise it.
Labour call it an act of “vandalism” and promise to renationalise it.
#OTD 1967. Harold Wilson addresses the nation as the pound is devalued by 14%.
He says it will allow Britain to "break out from the straitjacket" and go for growth.
"It does not mean that the pound here in Britain, in your pocket or purse or in your bank, has been devalued."
He says it will allow Britain to "break out from the straitjacket" and go for growth.
"It does not mean that the pound here in Britain, in your pocket or purse or in your bank, has been devalued."
November 19, 2024 at 8:32 AM
#OTD 1967. Harold Wilson addresses the nation as the pound is devalued by 14%.
He says it will allow Britain to "break out from the straitjacket" and go for growth.
"It does not mean that the pound here in Britain, in your pocket or purse or in your bank, has been devalued."
He says it will allow Britain to "break out from the straitjacket" and go for growth.
"It does not mean that the pound here in Britain, in your pocket or purse or in your bank, has been devalued."