1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Downloaded from YTS.MX 2 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX 3 00:00:15,140 --> 00:00:18,645 (crowd chattering) 4 00:00:20,019 --> 00:00:23,751 One in four of our children leave secondary education 5 00:00:23,751 --> 00:00:27,546 and can't read properly, can't write properly, 6 00:00:27,546 --> 00:00:30,740 and are not competent in arithmetic. 7 00:00:31,741 --> 00:00:33,008 And what are they going to do? 8 00:00:33,008 --> 00:00:35,511 They can't all be Prime Minister. 9 00:00:35,511 --> 00:00:37,305 (audience laughing) 10 00:00:37,305 --> 00:00:41,040 (audience clapping) 11 00:00:48,758 --> 00:00:50,401 [Reporter] The Princess Elizabeth has agreed 12 00:00:50,401 --> 00:00:54,197 to accept the crown and rule as Queen. 13 00:00:54,197 --> 00:00:56,031 [Narrator] Queen Elizabeth II, 14 00:00:56,031 --> 00:00:59,535 the longest reigning monarch in British history, 15 00:00:59,535 --> 00:01:03,081 she ascended to the throne and was crowned Queen 16 00:01:03,081 --> 00:01:06,041 at the tender age of 27. 17 00:01:06,041 --> 00:01:08,461 During her entire 70 year reign, 18 00:01:08,461 --> 00:01:12,090 Her Majesty worked with over a dozen prime ministers, 19 00:01:12,090 --> 00:01:17,721 each of whom formed successive governments on her behalf. 20 00:01:17,721 --> 00:01:18,264 I can now, 21 00:01:18,264 --> 00:01:21,056 I can now accept that the country have elected me 22 00:01:21,056 --> 00:01:23,393 in my own right to be Prime Minister. 23 00:01:23,393 --> 00:01:25,353 I'm immensely proud of that. 24 00:01:25,353 --> 00:01:27,062 I shall try and ensure 25 00:01:27,062 --> 00:01:30,191 that I reach the aspirations of people 26 00:01:30,191 --> 00:01:31,234 and that I let no one down. 27 00:01:31,234 --> 00:01:33,152 That is, I'm delighted to have it. 28 00:01:33,152 --> 00:01:36,197 This will give the cabinet authority of a sort. 29 00:01:36,197 --> 00:01:39,367 (crowd laughing) 30 00:01:39,367 --> 00:01:40,911 [Narrator] As a high school dropout, 31 00:01:40,911 --> 00:01:44,873 the teenage John Major could simply never have dreamt 32 00:01:44,873 --> 00:01:48,877 that he would one day become a powerful political leader 33 00:01:48,877 --> 00:01:52,404 and get elected as Britain's Prime Minister. 34 00:01:52,655 --> 00:01:56,509 Major became Her Majesty's ninth Prime Minister, 35 00:01:56,509 --> 00:02:00,095 having fought for the leadership of the Conservative Party 36 00:02:00,095 --> 00:02:04,727 after Margaret Thatcher's formidable 11 year premiership. 37 00:02:04,727 --> 00:02:06,770 It is a very exciting thing to become leader 38 00:02:06,770 --> 00:02:08,563 of the Conservative Party 39 00:02:08,563 --> 00:02:09,898 and particularly exciting, I think, 40 00:02:09,898 --> 00:02:11,900 to follow one of the most remarkable leaders 41 00:02:11,900 --> 00:02:14,319 that the Conservative Party has ever had. 42 00:02:14,319 --> 00:02:18,907 We may, by the end of this year, have before us a treaty, 43 00:02:18,907 --> 00:02:21,035 a treaty that could, amongst other things, 44 00:02:21,035 --> 00:02:23,912 allow Europe to develop a single currency 45 00:02:23,912 --> 00:02:25,789 at some time in the future. 46 00:02:25,789 --> 00:02:27,833 Is it moral to impose obligations 47 00:02:27,833 --> 00:02:30,251 on employers like the social chapter, 48 00:02:30,251 --> 00:02:31,170 like the minimum wage, 49 00:02:31,170 --> 00:02:35,465 that will cost jobs and prevent those without jobs 50 00:02:35,465 --> 00:02:39,594 from having the opportunity of getting them in the future? 51 00:02:39,594 --> 00:02:42,806 Again, I think not. 52 00:02:42,806 --> 00:02:44,349 Like me or loathe me, 53 00:02:44,349 --> 00:02:48,311 don't bind my hands when I am negotiating 54 00:02:48,311 --> 00:02:50,145 on behalf of the British Nation. 55 00:02:50,145 --> 00:02:52,315 After five months of peace, 56 00:02:52,315 --> 00:02:54,693 surely it is time to look ahead, 57 00:02:54,693 --> 00:02:57,821 judge our proposals as a whole. 58 00:02:57,821 --> 00:03:00,699 There is nothing you need fear. 59 00:03:00,699 --> 00:03:02,283 And the fact of the matter is 60 00:03:02,283 --> 00:03:06,161 that what the pessimists say is not true 61 00:03:06,161 --> 00:03:09,164 and ought not to go unchallenged. 62 00:03:09,164 --> 00:03:14,629 I do not intend to let Britain be sidelined in Europe. 63 00:03:14,629 --> 00:03:19,174 Is it moral to compulsorily take too much tax from people 64 00:03:19,174 --> 00:03:20,928 for government to spend, 65 00:03:20,928 --> 00:03:24,723 and in so doing, diminish individual choices? 66 00:03:24,723 --> 00:03:27,206 My answer is no. 67 00:03:27,666 --> 00:03:33,630 1992 is not a year on which I shall look back 68 00:03:33,923 --> 00:03:36,215 with undiluted pleasure. 69 00:03:37,509 --> 00:03:42,074 In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, 70 00:03:42,074 --> 00:03:46,577 it has turned out to be an annus horribilis. 71 00:03:46,577 --> 00:03:50,706 The Queen, beyond doubt, is the best known woman 72 00:03:50,706 --> 00:03:51,500 in the world, 73 00:03:51,500 --> 00:03:54,128 probably the most loved woman in the world, 74 00:03:54,128 --> 00:03:55,461 I would think as well. 75 00:03:55,461 --> 00:03:57,588 [Narrator] But what would the Queen make 76 00:03:57,588 --> 00:04:00,239 of her new Prime Minister? 77 00:04:00,574 --> 00:04:02,761 When the curtain falls, 78 00:04:02,761 --> 00:04:05,220 it's time to get off the stage, 79 00:04:05,220 --> 00:04:07,808 and that is what I propose to do. 80 00:04:07,808 --> 00:04:09,308 [Narrator] Sir John Major, 81 00:04:09,308 --> 00:04:12,311 Her Majesty's ninth Prime Minister. 82 00:04:12,311 --> 00:04:16,590 (slow contemplative music) 83 00:04:36,401 --> 00:04:38,922 The relationship between the British sovereign, 84 00:04:38,922 --> 00:04:43,593 the government and their Prime Minister is somewhat complex 85 00:04:43,593 --> 00:04:47,346 and not always easily understood. 86 00:04:47,346 --> 00:04:48,265 As head of state, 87 00:04:48,265 --> 00:04:50,516 the monarch must remain entirely neutral 88 00:04:50,516 --> 00:04:55,563 with respect to political matters and must be seen to do so, 89 00:04:55,563 --> 00:04:59,274 even though he or she may have been quite outspoken 90 00:04:59,274 --> 00:05:02,154 prior to their ascent to the throne. 91 00:05:02,154 --> 00:05:06,449 The sovereign does not vote nor stand for election. 92 00:05:06,449 --> 00:05:10,037 However, they do have vitally important ceremonial 93 00:05:10,037 --> 00:05:13,539 and formal roles and particular responsibilities 94 00:05:13,539 --> 00:05:17,292 in relation to the government of the United Kingdom. 95 00:05:17,292 --> 00:05:20,505 The British Legislature comprises the sovereign, 96 00:05:20,505 --> 00:05:23,716 the House of Lords and the House of Commons. 97 00:05:23,716 --> 00:05:26,511 The monarch's duties are to open each new session 98 00:05:26,511 --> 00:05:30,057 of parliament, announcing to the nation the agenda 99 00:05:30,057 --> 00:05:33,167 for their government for that term. 100 00:05:33,625 --> 00:05:35,561 [Reporter] The Queen arrived at the House of Lords 101 00:05:35,561 --> 00:05:37,312 to open a session of parliament 102 00:05:37,312 --> 00:05:40,901 that all know must end in a general election. 103 00:05:40,901 --> 00:05:42,318 She came in the Irish State Coach, 104 00:05:42,318 --> 00:05:45,072 accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales, 105 00:05:45,072 --> 00:05:47,806 just back from their tour of Canada. 106 00:05:48,515 --> 00:05:52,453 The speech she came to deliver is the first written for her 107 00:05:52,453 --> 00:05:53,704 by John Major. 108 00:05:53,704 --> 00:05:54,331 This time last year, 109 00:05:54,331 --> 00:05:56,250 he was still Chancellor of the Exchequer 110 00:05:56,250 --> 00:05:59,835 and Mrs. Thatcher the occupant of Number 10. 111 00:05:59,835 --> 00:06:00,629 Throughout White Hall, 112 00:06:00,629 --> 00:06:04,132 the police and security services were taking no chances. 113 00:06:04,132 --> 00:06:07,243 (horns blaring) 114 00:06:08,367 --> 00:06:09,180 Back in the Lord's, 115 00:06:09,180 --> 00:06:10,931 the full court was gathered for the Queen, 116 00:06:10,931 --> 00:06:15,227 ambassadors, judges, peers, spiritual and temporal. 117 00:06:15,227 --> 00:06:17,853 Black Rod was dispatched to fetch the Commons. 118 00:06:17,853 --> 00:06:20,274 It's the last time he'll knock on their door. 119 00:06:20,274 --> 00:06:22,775 He's retiring at the next election. 120 00:06:22,775 --> 00:06:23,986 [Narrator] With their signature, 121 00:06:23,986 --> 00:06:27,738 They also grant royal assent to legislation 122 00:06:27,738 --> 00:06:30,365 and approve orders and proclamations 123 00:06:30,365 --> 00:06:32,618 through the Privy Council. 124 00:06:32,618 --> 00:06:34,369 During her mammoth reign, 125 00:06:34,369 --> 00:06:36,581 the Queen also had a very special working 126 00:06:36,581 --> 00:06:39,667 and private relationship with her prime ministers. 127 00:06:39,667 --> 00:06:43,378 Her Majesty retained the right to appoint her Prime Minister 128 00:06:43,378 --> 00:06:47,758 and also to meet with him or her on a regular basis. 129 00:06:47,758 --> 00:06:51,386 My government attach the highest priority 130 00:06:51,386 --> 00:06:53,514 to improving public services. 131 00:06:53,514 --> 00:06:56,268 They will implement the program of reform 132 00:06:56,268 --> 00:06:59,812 in the white paper on the Citizen's Charter, 133 00:06:59,812 --> 00:07:02,398 including bringing forward charters 134 00:07:02,398 --> 00:07:05,508 for individual public services. 135 00:07:06,509 --> 00:07:08,403 [Narrator] Those private weekly meetings 136 00:07:08,403 --> 00:07:10,991 have offered great solace and support 137 00:07:10,991 --> 00:07:12,407 to her prime ministers, 138 00:07:12,407 --> 00:07:16,121 each one honoring the absolute confidentiality 139 00:07:16,121 --> 00:07:17,412 of these informal talks, 140 00:07:17,412 --> 00:07:21,416 but each of whom has also acknowledged the personal support 141 00:07:21,416 --> 00:07:23,170 they have received from the Queen 142 00:07:23,170 --> 00:07:28,447 in what must often be a lonely position of responsibility. 143 00:07:30,409 --> 00:07:31,636 (chiming music) 144 00:07:31,636 --> 00:07:36,308 John Major was born on the 29th March, 1943, 145 00:07:36,308 --> 00:07:40,435 son of Gwen Major and Tom Major-Ball. 146 00:07:40,435 --> 00:07:42,314 Living in middle class Surrey, 147 00:07:42,314 --> 00:07:44,439 Major's mother was a part-time teacher 148 00:07:44,439 --> 00:07:48,486 and his father made a living selling garden ornaments. 149 00:07:48,486 --> 00:07:51,365 Major later described his younger years 150 00:07:51,365 --> 00:07:54,326 as comfortable but not well off. 151 00:07:54,326 --> 00:07:57,536 Facing the same struggles as many families 152 00:07:57,536 --> 00:07:59,580 during wartime Britain, 153 00:07:59,580 --> 00:08:02,125 and things took a turn for the worse 154 00:08:02,125 --> 00:08:04,794 when his father became unwell. 155 00:08:04,794 --> 00:08:09,464 The young John Major was admitted into Rutlish School, 156 00:08:09,464 --> 00:08:11,467 a grammar school in Merton Park 157 00:08:11,467 --> 00:08:14,470 in the southern suburbs of London. 158 00:08:14,470 --> 00:08:16,139 Facing financial difficulties, 159 00:08:16,139 --> 00:08:20,976 the family had to move home into more modest circumstances 160 00:08:20,976 --> 00:08:23,896 into a small top floor apartment 161 00:08:23,896 --> 00:08:26,191 in Coldharbour Lane, Brixton 162 00:08:26,191 --> 00:08:29,777 in what was a very impoverished area of London 163 00:08:29,777 --> 00:08:31,470 in those days. 164 00:08:31,886 --> 00:08:34,199 Perhaps his reduced circumstances 165 00:08:34,199 --> 00:08:36,491 in life were a bitter blow to him, 166 00:08:36,491 --> 00:08:39,494 but young John Majors soon lost interest 167 00:08:39,494 --> 00:08:41,956 in his academic studies at school 168 00:08:41,956 --> 00:08:46,211 and he left full-time education at the age of 16 169 00:08:46,211 --> 00:08:48,754 with just three O levels. 170 00:08:48,754 --> 00:08:53,385 The teenage John Major decided to pull himself together 171 00:08:53,385 --> 00:08:55,594 and to turn his fortunes around. 172 00:08:55,594 --> 00:08:58,597 He started applying himself to self-improvement 173 00:08:58,597 --> 00:09:02,935 and to hard work, which paid dividends for him 174 00:09:02,935 --> 00:09:04,253 in the end. 175 00:09:05,087 --> 00:09:08,523 His interest in politics began as he kept up to date 176 00:09:08,523 --> 00:09:11,486 with current affairs on his commute to work. 177 00:09:11,486 --> 00:09:15,115 His political ambitions were sparked in 1956 178 00:09:15,115 --> 00:09:18,243 from watching Harold Macmillan present his budget 179 00:09:18,243 --> 00:09:20,535 to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, 180 00:09:20,535 --> 00:09:25,564 having been invited to watch by local MP Marcus Lipton. 181 00:09:26,565 --> 00:09:29,544 We've all been thinking a great deal about Suez, 182 00:09:29,544 --> 00:09:33,758 but you know, the Egyptian crisis isn't the only threat 183 00:09:33,758 --> 00:09:35,242 to our future. 184 00:09:35,409 --> 00:09:41,499 There is another dread, more familiar, less dramatic, 185 00:09:41,499 --> 00:09:43,351 and perhaps it's harder to realize, 186 00:09:43,351 --> 00:09:46,836 but in the long run, it's just as serious, 187 00:09:47,629 --> 00:09:49,732 and that is the danger that, 188 00:09:49,732 --> 00:09:51,776 because of our lack of foresight 189 00:09:51,776 --> 00:09:54,279 or if you would like, our selfishness, 190 00:09:54,279 --> 00:09:56,697 we drive ourselves out of the rank 191 00:09:56,697 --> 00:09:58,574 of first class industrial power. 192 00:09:58,574 --> 00:10:03,246 [Narrator] By 1959, Major joined the young conservatives 193 00:10:03,246 --> 00:10:03,789 in Brixton. 194 00:10:03,789 --> 00:10:08,460 He began to give speeches in the soapbox in Brixton Market. 195 00:10:08,460 --> 00:10:11,546 In 1964, he stood as a Councillor 196 00:10:11,546 --> 00:10:14,590 in the Lambeth London Borough Council election 197 00:10:14,590 --> 00:10:16,675 at the tender age of 21, 198 00:10:16,675 --> 00:10:18,993 though he lost to labor. 199 00:10:19,618 --> 00:10:23,433 Major worked in banking before his political days, 200 00:10:23,433 --> 00:10:27,270 taking posts with District Bank and Standard Bank. 201 00:10:27,270 --> 00:10:31,065 He was even briefly seconded to Jos, Nigeria, 202 00:10:31,065 --> 00:10:33,193 as part of his banking role. 203 00:10:33,193 --> 00:10:35,610 But politics was still in the mind, 204 00:10:35,610 --> 00:10:38,697 and in 1968, Major stood as Councillor again 205 00:10:38,697 --> 00:10:42,452 in the Lambeth London Borough Council election. 206 00:10:42,452 --> 00:10:45,746 The conservatives received a boost following Enoch Powell's 207 00:10:45,746 --> 00:10:50,252 famous anti-immigration Rivers of Blood speech. 208 00:10:50,252 --> 00:10:51,985 I have three children. 209 00:10:52,611 --> 00:10:55,630 All of them have been through grammar school, 210 00:10:55,630 --> 00:10:59,658 two of them married now with family. 211 00:11:00,659 --> 00:11:02,137 I shan't be satisfied 212 00:11:02,137 --> 00:11:06,749 till I have seen them all settled overseas. 213 00:11:07,251 --> 00:11:12,147 In this country, in 15 or 20 years time, 214 00:11:12,147 --> 00:11:15,776 the Black man will have the whip hand 215 00:11:15,776 --> 00:11:17,676 over the white man. 216 00:11:18,345 --> 00:11:19,364 [Narrator] Major won, 217 00:11:19,364 --> 00:11:22,534 despite disagreeing with Powell's views. 218 00:11:22,534 --> 00:11:25,035 Major's focus was on housing matters, 219 00:11:25,035 --> 00:11:29,999 and he oversaw several large council estates being built. 220 00:11:29,999 --> 00:11:33,319 He lost his seat in 1971. 221 00:11:33,319 --> 00:11:36,964 In April, 1970, Major met Norma Johnson 222 00:11:36,964 --> 00:11:40,050 at a Conservative Party event in Brixton. 223 00:11:40,050 --> 00:11:42,637 They married in October that year, 224 00:11:42,637 --> 00:11:44,930 moving to a flat in Streatham 225 00:11:44,930 --> 00:11:46,681 and welcoming their first child, 226 00:11:46,681 --> 00:11:50,353 Elizabeth, in November, 1971. 227 00:11:50,353 --> 00:11:53,689 Major's personal family life was going well 228 00:11:53,689 --> 00:11:57,693 but his political one faced multiple setbacks. 229 00:11:57,693 --> 00:11:58,694 Though he managed to get 230 00:11:58,694 --> 00:12:02,697 on the Conservative Central Office's list of potential MP's, 231 00:12:02,697 --> 00:12:07,702 he lost in the February and October elections of 1974 232 00:12:07,702 --> 00:12:12,707 in the labor dominated St Pancras North constituency. 233 00:12:12,707 --> 00:12:15,503 He went on to try for more promising seats 234 00:12:15,503 --> 00:12:19,714 but continued to be unsuccessful until 1976, 235 00:12:19,714 --> 00:12:24,219 when he secured a conservative seat in Huntingdonshire. 236 00:12:24,219 --> 00:12:28,933 He went on to win Huntingdon in the 1979 general election, 237 00:12:28,933 --> 00:12:32,378 which brought Margaret Thatcher to power. 238 00:12:33,671 --> 00:12:37,756 [Reporter] Plain clothes police out of a car behind her, 239 00:12:38,425 --> 00:12:42,656 and Mrs. Thatcher out onto the doorstep. 240 00:12:42,656 --> 00:12:43,616 (crowd shouting) 241 00:12:43,616 --> 00:12:44,658 Thank you very much. 242 00:12:44,658 --> 00:12:47,742 [Reporter] How do you feel at this moment? 243 00:12:47,742 --> 00:12:51,997 Very excited, very aware of the responsibilities. 244 00:12:51,997 --> 00:12:54,459 Her Majesty the Queen has asked me 245 00:12:54,459 --> 00:12:59,213 to form a new administration and I have accepted. 246 00:12:59,213 --> 00:13:00,755 It is, of course, the greatest honor 247 00:13:00,755 --> 00:13:04,176 that can come to any citizen in a democracy. 248 00:13:04,176 --> 00:13:07,722 [Narrator] He was well liked, had a relaxed, genuine, 249 00:13:07,722 --> 00:13:09,391 and sincere charm. 250 00:13:09,391 --> 00:13:12,767 In 1987, Major was promoted to the Cabinet 251 00:13:12,767 --> 00:13:15,355 as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. 252 00:13:15,355 --> 00:13:18,983 Thatcher promoted Major quickly within the party. 253 00:13:18,983 --> 00:13:20,775 It was clear she liked him. 254 00:13:20,775 --> 00:13:24,364 She went on to give him the title of Foreign Secretary 255 00:13:24,364 --> 00:13:25,864 in July, 1989. 256 00:13:25,864 --> 00:13:29,784 He went from being the most junior member of the cabinet 257 00:13:29,784 --> 00:13:32,287 to playing a significant role. 258 00:13:32,287 --> 00:13:33,748 Under Thatcher's premiership, 259 00:13:33,748 --> 00:13:36,792 Major learned a great deal about being a leader 260 00:13:36,792 --> 00:13:39,504 and the inner workings of the cabinet. 261 00:13:39,504 --> 00:13:41,796 The round of UN diplomacy took him 262 00:13:41,796 --> 00:13:42,633 to a first meeting 263 00:13:42,633 --> 00:13:44,883 with his Argentine opposite number this evening 264 00:13:44,883 --> 00:13:47,886 and talks about resuming relations disrupted 265 00:13:47,886 --> 00:13:49,472 by the Falklands War. 266 00:13:49,472 --> 00:13:52,684 Tomorrow, Mr. Major will turn his attention to Hong Kong, 267 00:13:52,684 --> 00:13:56,354 discussing the colony's future in a private meeting here 268 00:13:56,354 --> 00:13:58,939 with the Chinese foreign minister, 269 00:13:58,939 --> 00:14:01,900 but the Foreign Secretary's making it clear he intends 270 00:14:01,900 --> 00:14:04,111 to continue efforts to rally support 271 00:14:04,111 --> 00:14:05,821 for the drug war in Colombia. 272 00:14:05,821 --> 00:14:08,724 "We must all do more," he said. 273 00:14:11,850 --> 00:14:13,788 [Narrator] Despite Thatcher's successes, 274 00:14:13,788 --> 00:14:17,832 there was a growing unease among some of her colleagues. 275 00:14:17,832 --> 00:14:20,670 Issues of unemployment and inflation were still 276 00:14:20,670 --> 00:14:24,006 in people's minds, along with poll tax riots. 277 00:14:24,006 --> 00:14:27,301 And fears of future strife caused Thatcher 278 00:14:27,301 --> 00:14:29,136 to begin to lose her popularity. 279 00:14:29,136 --> 00:14:33,098 One of the many bones of contention was Thatcher's stance 280 00:14:33,098 --> 00:14:37,061 on Europe and the European Exchange Rate Mechanism. 281 00:14:37,061 --> 00:14:40,981 Thatcher was adamant that Britain should not be ruled 282 00:14:40,981 --> 00:14:43,526 from Brussels and she was concerned 283 00:14:43,526 --> 00:14:46,488 at the gradual erosion of British sovereignty 284 00:14:46,488 --> 00:14:50,240 and the country's ability to be allowed to manage itself. 285 00:14:50,240 --> 00:14:53,828 The creeping federalism of Europe would be one 286 00:14:53,828 --> 00:14:54,829 of the main themes of some 287 00:14:54,829 --> 00:14:57,707 of her most powerful speeches in Parliament, 288 00:14:57,707 --> 00:15:01,876 sowing seeds of doubt on the unification of Europe. 289 00:15:01,876 --> 00:15:05,880 The beautifully oiled machine was starting to fail 290 00:15:05,880 --> 00:15:07,216 and a plot was being hatched 291 00:15:07,216 --> 00:15:10,885 to unseat Thatcher from her position of power. 292 00:15:10,885 --> 00:15:15,265 For eight years, Margaret had this remarkable capacity 293 00:15:15,265 --> 00:15:18,710 to judge public opinion and get it right. 294 00:15:19,418 --> 00:15:21,980 And after eight years, inevitably, 295 00:15:21,980 --> 00:15:25,777 surrounding by the trappings of Prime Minister, 296 00:15:25,777 --> 00:15:30,448 inevitably you lose that acute ear for public opinion, 297 00:15:30,448 --> 00:15:31,199 not a criticism of her. 298 00:15:31,199 --> 00:15:34,577 I think it was true of at least one successor of hers 299 00:15:34,577 --> 00:15:36,746 and of others earlier in history 300 00:15:36,746 --> 00:15:39,690 and I think she was wrong about poll tax. 301 00:15:39,938 --> 00:15:41,041 [Narrator] Geoffrey Howe, 302 00:15:41,041 --> 00:15:43,418 her longest serving cabinet minister, 303 00:15:43,418 --> 00:15:48,173 chose to plunge the dagger and he offered an ultimatum. 304 00:15:48,173 --> 00:15:50,885 He threatened to resign unless Thatcher agreed 305 00:15:50,885 --> 00:15:54,597 to join the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, 306 00:15:54,597 --> 00:15:56,455 which she refused. 307 00:15:56,582 --> 00:15:59,811 No, the people of Britain do not want petty bureaucracy. 308 00:15:59,811 --> 00:16:03,648 They do not want taxation rates imposed upon us 309 00:16:03,648 --> 00:16:08,611 without the consent and agreement of the British Parliament. 310 00:16:08,611 --> 00:16:10,488 [Narrator] Ultimately, he did resign, 311 00:16:10,488 --> 00:16:13,948 and his resignation speech left the House of Commons 312 00:16:13,948 --> 00:16:16,661 questioning their Prime Minister's ability 313 00:16:16,661 --> 00:16:19,954 to continue to lead her party and the country. 314 00:16:19,954 --> 00:16:22,249 In his infamous resignation speech, 315 00:16:22,249 --> 00:16:25,795 he said, "The time has come for others 316 00:16:25,795 --> 00:16:27,962 to consider their own response 317 00:16:27,962 --> 00:16:30,048 to the tragic conflict of loyalties 318 00:16:30,048 --> 00:16:35,244 with which I have myself wrestled for perhaps too long." 319 00:16:35,994 --> 00:16:37,097 After just three months 320 00:16:37,097 --> 00:16:39,934 in his role as Foreign Secretary, 321 00:16:39,934 --> 00:16:42,977 Major became Chancellor of the Exchequer. 322 00:16:42,977 --> 00:16:48,776 Major insisted on joining the ERM against Thatcher's wishes. 323 00:16:48,776 --> 00:16:51,278 Thatcher's popularity was declining 324 00:16:51,278 --> 00:16:54,489 whilst Major's was excelling. 325 00:16:54,489 --> 00:16:56,074 Eventually, in 1990, 326 00:16:56,074 --> 00:16:58,703 Thatcher succumbed to mounting pressures 327 00:16:58,703 --> 00:17:01,996 and announced they would join the ERM. 328 00:17:01,996 --> 00:17:04,626 (mysterious music) 329 00:17:04,626 --> 00:17:07,001 Things came to a head in 1990 330 00:17:07,001 --> 00:17:09,547 when Michael Heseltine challenged Thatcher 331 00:17:09,547 --> 00:17:11,465 for leadership of the Conservative Party, 332 00:17:11,465 --> 00:17:16,428 in part due to differences of opinion on the European Union. 333 00:17:16,428 --> 00:17:18,180 Thatcher won the first vote 334 00:17:18,180 --> 00:17:22,894 but the majority was too small to be an outright victory. 335 00:17:22,894 --> 00:17:23,519 One by one, 336 00:17:23,519 --> 00:17:27,021 she was advised by her cabinet members to resign. 337 00:17:27,021 --> 00:17:30,860 I said to each of them individually beforehand, I said, 338 00:17:30,860 --> 00:17:33,320 "If you don't speak the truth to her 339 00:17:33,320 --> 00:17:34,363 when you go and see her, 340 00:17:34,363 --> 00:17:36,030 I shall be extremely angry. 341 00:17:36,030 --> 00:17:37,825 You have to tell her what you've told me 342 00:17:37,825 --> 00:17:42,061 'cause she must know where she stands," and they did. 343 00:17:43,229 --> 00:17:45,023 I went in first. 344 00:17:45,314 --> 00:17:48,753 I said she'd been defeated and should step down 345 00:17:48,753 --> 00:17:50,713 and she wouldn't win the second ballot 346 00:17:50,713 --> 00:17:51,547 against Michael Heseltine, 347 00:17:51,547 --> 00:17:55,049 but she should allow, talk to certain John Major to come in. 348 00:17:55,049 --> 00:17:57,679 She said I was being defeatist and try to rally me, 349 00:17:57,679 --> 00:18:00,305 you know, get me to pull myself together and stop being so, 350 00:18:00,305 --> 00:18:04,936 you know, sort of defeatist, and we failed to agree. 351 00:18:04,936 --> 00:18:07,021 [Narrator] Realizing her time was up 352 00:18:07,021 --> 00:18:10,482 but not wanting to fall victim to Heseltine's plot, 353 00:18:10,482 --> 00:18:13,527 Thatcher decided to resign. 354 00:18:13,527 --> 00:18:15,822 On November 22nd, 1990, 355 00:18:15,822 --> 00:18:19,826 she resigned as leader of the Conservative Party 356 00:18:19,826 --> 00:18:21,075 and as Prime Minister, 357 00:18:21,075 --> 00:18:24,664 after 11 consecutive years in office. 358 00:18:24,664 --> 00:18:26,874 [Reporter] Number 10 is a house and a home 359 00:18:26,874 --> 00:18:27,583 as well as an office, 360 00:18:27,583 --> 00:18:30,084 and as Margaret Thatcher left it after so long, 361 00:18:30,084 --> 00:18:31,085 there was applause to be heard, 362 00:18:31,085 --> 00:18:34,381 and I'm told, a tear or two shed among the unseen staff. 363 00:18:34,381 --> 00:18:37,927 Mrs. Thatcher's own voice had an emotional edge to it. 364 00:18:37,927 --> 00:18:41,430 Ladies and gentlemen, we're leaving Downing Street 365 00:18:41,430 --> 00:18:46,936 for the last time after 11 and a half wonderful years, 366 00:18:46,936 --> 00:18:47,813 and we're very happy 367 00:18:47,813 --> 00:18:50,940 that we leave the United Kingdom 368 00:18:50,940 --> 00:18:53,107 in a very, very much better state 369 00:18:53,107 --> 00:18:56,696 than when we came here 11 and a half years ago. 370 00:18:56,696 --> 00:18:58,530 [Reporter] But then the Iron Lady's composure 371 00:18:58,530 --> 00:19:02,035 almost broke, watch her face as she reaches her car. 372 00:19:02,035 --> 00:19:04,996 (audience clapping) 373 00:19:04,996 --> 00:19:06,914 (slow music) 374 00:19:06,914 --> 00:19:10,316 She recovered quickly for one last wave. 375 00:19:10,316 --> 00:19:12,962 Friends say though that she is deeply shocked 376 00:19:12,962 --> 00:19:15,089 by the seeming injustice of it all. 377 00:19:15,089 --> 00:19:16,130 Three election victories 378 00:19:16,130 --> 00:19:18,383 and a clear though insufficient majority 379 00:19:18,383 --> 00:19:20,134 in the first ballot rewarded, 380 00:19:20,134 --> 00:19:22,136 as she sees it, with the sack. 381 00:19:22,136 --> 00:19:24,724 [Narrator] In her final bid to hold her head up high 382 00:19:24,724 --> 00:19:27,894 and to outwit her arch enemy, Michael Heseltine, 383 00:19:27,894 --> 00:19:30,312 she moved her chess pieces to make certain 384 00:19:30,312 --> 00:19:34,256 that John Major would become her successor. 385 00:19:34,673 --> 00:19:39,237 Famously, Thatcher always maintained she was undefeated. 386 00:19:39,237 --> 00:19:44,158 She never lost an election, and she resigned herself. 387 00:19:44,158 --> 00:19:45,410 (chiming music) 388 00:19:45,410 --> 00:19:49,916 One can only imagine the conversation at the final meeting 389 00:19:49,916 --> 00:19:50,751 when Margaret Thatcher, 390 00:19:50,751 --> 00:19:53,961 Prime Minister for 11 and a half years, 391 00:19:53,961 --> 00:19:55,170 went to Buckingham Palace 392 00:19:55,170 --> 00:19:58,172 to offer her resignation to the Queen. 393 00:19:58,172 --> 00:20:01,199 (chiming music) 394 00:20:05,203 --> 00:20:09,226 Major won the vote for leadership with 185 votes. 395 00:20:09,226 --> 00:20:13,355 Though Douglas and Heseltine could have challenged it, 396 00:20:13,355 --> 00:20:14,398 they conceded. 397 00:20:14,398 --> 00:20:17,466 (chiming music) 398 00:20:19,217 --> 00:20:23,221 [Announcer] Michael Heseltine, 131. 399 00:20:23,556 --> 00:20:25,391 Douglas Hurd, 56. 400 00:20:26,935 --> 00:20:28,310 John Major 185. 401 00:20:29,395 --> 00:20:31,206 (audience cheering) 402 00:20:31,206 --> 00:20:33,333 [Reporter] Huntingdon Conservative Club members 403 00:20:33,333 --> 00:20:34,794 knew they were on a winning streak. 404 00:20:34,794 --> 00:20:38,822 Their domino team has won its last three matches, 405 00:20:39,363 --> 00:20:41,759 but there was just a slight hint of doubt 406 00:20:41,759 --> 00:20:43,827 about what the figures meant 407 00:20:44,242 --> 00:20:46,872 until the Heseltine concession, 408 00:20:46,997 --> 00:20:49,767 and that was received in the appropriate manner. 409 00:20:49,767 --> 00:20:50,435 (audience cheering) 410 00:20:50,435 --> 00:20:53,227 Huntingdon tonight is no longer the constituency, 411 00:20:53,227 --> 00:20:54,772 it's the Prime Minister's seat. 412 00:20:54,772 --> 00:20:56,190 (audience clapping) 413 00:20:56,190 --> 00:20:57,691 I think he's a fantastic guy. 414 00:20:57,691 --> 00:21:02,236 I mean, he'll make a first class Prime Minister. 415 00:21:02,236 --> 00:21:03,157 Gray image? 416 00:21:03,157 --> 00:21:06,784 There's no gray image. What you see is what you get. 417 00:21:06,784 --> 00:21:07,702 Fantastic guy. 418 00:21:07,702 --> 00:21:09,244 I've known him now for 20 years. 419 00:21:09,244 --> 00:21:12,456 I've always seen that steely determination in him. 420 00:21:12,456 --> 00:21:13,833 He'll do a fantastic job as Prime Minister. 421 00:21:13,833 --> 00:21:17,251 He'll, first of all, heal the party, 422 00:21:17,251 --> 00:21:18,213 and he'll take the party 423 00:21:18,213 --> 00:21:19,337 to victory the next general election. 424 00:21:19,337 --> 00:21:22,424 What sort of changes can we expect? 425 00:21:22,424 --> 00:21:23,301 You'll have to ask John that. 426 00:21:23,301 --> 00:21:25,760 I don't think you'll see many things. 427 00:21:25,760 --> 00:21:26,471 He thoroughly approves 428 00:21:26,471 --> 00:21:27,637 of what the government's done to date. 429 00:21:27,637 --> 00:21:30,975 You may well see some changes in style and presentation, 430 00:21:30,975 --> 00:21:34,145 but I think you'll find he'll be pursuing the policies 431 00:21:34,145 --> 00:21:35,437 of the present government. 432 00:21:35,437 --> 00:21:37,689 [Reporter] Huntingdon produced Oliver Cromwell. 433 00:21:37,689 --> 00:21:39,691 Now it's produced a Prime Minister, 434 00:21:39,691 --> 00:21:41,903 tonight, something to be celebrated. 435 00:21:41,903 --> 00:21:45,279 (slow contemplative music) 436 00:21:45,279 --> 00:21:48,034 [Narrator] On the 28th November, 1990, 437 00:21:48,034 --> 00:21:51,453 John Major accepted Her Majesty's invitation 438 00:21:51,453 --> 00:21:53,287 to form a government. 439 00:21:53,287 --> 00:21:56,416 It is said, as he drove out of the golden gates 440 00:21:56,416 --> 00:21:57,919 of Buckingham Palace, 441 00:21:57,919 --> 00:22:00,294 he thought about how far he'd come 442 00:22:00,294 --> 00:22:04,050 from a boy growing up in a cramped flat in Brixton 443 00:22:04,050 --> 00:22:06,718 to Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, 444 00:22:06,718 --> 00:22:09,889 living in Number 10 Downing Street. 445 00:22:09,889 --> 00:22:12,999 (chiming music) 446 00:22:14,332 --> 00:22:15,477 (crowd shouting) 447 00:22:15,477 --> 00:22:17,188 [Reporter] What's your reaction, Mr. Major? 448 00:22:17,188 --> 00:22:20,314 I'd like, I'd like, firstly if I may, 449 00:22:20,314 --> 00:22:22,902 to thank my many parliamentary colleagues 450 00:22:22,902 --> 00:22:25,319 for the tremendous support they've given me today. 451 00:22:25,319 --> 00:22:28,282 It's an enormous encouragement to know that so many people 452 00:22:28,282 --> 00:22:30,659 in the parliamentary party are prepared to entrust me 453 00:22:30,659 --> 00:22:32,619 with the leadership of the Conservative Party, 454 00:22:32,619 --> 00:22:35,664 and I will endeavor to discharge those responsibilities 455 00:22:35,664 --> 00:22:37,749 to the best of my ability. 456 00:22:37,749 --> 00:22:38,333 If I may, 457 00:22:38,333 --> 00:22:41,003 I do think this particular election has enhanced 458 00:22:41,003 --> 00:22:43,338 the democratic process quite substantially. 459 00:22:43,338 --> 00:22:45,091 It's been a very clean election, 460 00:22:45,091 --> 00:22:48,342 an election based on substance and not personality 461 00:22:48,342 --> 00:22:51,180 and an election that has dealt very constructively 462 00:22:51,180 --> 00:22:51,722 with the issues, 463 00:22:51,722 --> 00:22:53,933 and I'd like to offer my very grateful thanks 464 00:22:53,933 --> 00:22:55,977 to Douglas Hurd and to Michael Heseltine, 465 00:22:55,977 --> 00:22:58,271 both for the way they conducted the election 466 00:22:58,271 --> 00:22:59,981 and also for the very gracious way 467 00:22:59,981 --> 00:23:01,065 in which they have conceded 468 00:23:01,065 --> 00:23:03,985 that they will not stand on the third ballot. 469 00:23:03,985 --> 00:23:04,652 It is, it is, 470 00:23:04,652 --> 00:23:06,360 it is a very exciting thing 471 00:23:06,360 --> 00:23:08,906 to become leader of the Conservative Party 472 00:23:08,906 --> 00:23:10,199 and particularly exciting, I think, 473 00:23:10,199 --> 00:23:12,243 to follow one of the most remarkable leaders 474 00:23:12,243 --> 00:23:14,452 that the Conservative Party has ever had. 475 00:23:14,452 --> 00:23:19,041 I believe, as time proceeds, and Margaret Thatcher's period 476 00:23:19,041 --> 00:23:22,003 as Prime Minister is seen in a proper perspective, 477 00:23:22,003 --> 00:23:22,670 that it will be seen 478 00:23:22,670 --> 00:23:25,339 that she has been a very great Prime Minister indeed. 479 00:23:25,339 --> 00:23:27,424 Our job now I think is quite clear. 480 00:23:27,424 --> 00:23:28,383 We're going to unite. 481 00:23:28,383 --> 00:23:30,719 We are going to unite totally and absolutely, 482 00:23:30,719 --> 00:23:32,470 and we're going to win the next general election. 483 00:23:32,470 --> 00:23:36,142 Thank you all very much indeed. Thank you all very much. 484 00:23:36,142 --> 00:23:37,184 My first task immediately. 485 00:23:37,184 --> 00:23:38,685 [Reporter] How do you feel this, Mrs. Major? 486 00:23:38,685 --> 00:23:40,687 - Delighted. - My first task immediately is 487 00:23:40,687 --> 00:23:42,396 to go and thank the enormous number 488 00:23:42,396 --> 00:23:44,108 of my parliamentary colleagues, 489 00:23:44,108 --> 00:23:44,734 friends and others 490 00:23:44,734 --> 00:23:46,735 who've been working in this campaign. 491 00:23:46,735 --> 00:23:47,486 Thank you all very much. 492 00:23:47,486 --> 00:23:51,615 Thank you all very much indeed (reporter shouting) 493 00:23:51,615 --> 00:23:54,035 (solemn music) 494 00:23:54,035 --> 00:23:56,162 [Narrator] Unfortunately for John Major, 495 00:23:56,162 --> 00:24:00,707 he inherited a government dominated by the 1990s recession 496 00:24:00,707 --> 00:24:05,419 caused by high interest rates and falling house prices. 497 00:24:05,419 --> 00:24:11,425 Unemployment rate by the end of 1991 was 2.5 million. 498 00:24:11,425 --> 00:24:12,719 Nonetheless, opinion polling 499 00:24:12,719 --> 00:24:17,308 for the conservative government remained fairly stable. 500 00:24:17,308 --> 00:24:17,808 A fresh face 501 00:24:17,808 --> 00:24:20,769 on the Conservative Party welcomed an opportunity 502 00:24:20,769 --> 00:24:25,066 for change, and Major felt a great responsibility 503 00:24:25,066 --> 00:24:28,485 and sense of duty to help an ailing country 504 00:24:28,485 --> 00:24:31,012 and economy to heal. 505 00:24:32,097 --> 00:24:34,949 The deeply unpopular poll tax was an area 506 00:24:34,949 --> 00:24:38,452 which Major knew must be dealt with quickly, 507 00:24:38,452 --> 00:24:41,456 a task he appointed to Heseltine. 508 00:24:41,456 --> 00:24:46,337 I certainly do not rule out the need for further changes 509 00:24:46,337 --> 00:24:48,255 in the community charge, 510 00:24:48,255 --> 00:24:49,464 and as I talk to my colleagues, 511 00:24:49,464 --> 00:24:51,466 and these discussions are not concluded 512 00:24:51,466 --> 00:24:53,467 and will continue with my colleagues, 513 00:24:53,467 --> 00:24:58,598 I do become increasingly convinced that we will not be able 514 00:24:58,598 --> 00:25:00,474 to leave things as they are. 515 00:25:00,474 --> 00:25:02,311 In no sense, where necessary, 516 00:25:02,311 --> 00:25:04,478 where necessary and if necessary, 517 00:25:04,478 --> 00:25:08,359 would I be afraid to make changes in government policy. 518 00:25:08,359 --> 00:25:12,486 [Narrator] In April, 1993, poll tax was replaced 519 00:25:12,486 --> 00:25:13,655 with council tax, 520 00:25:13,655 --> 00:25:17,515 a sliding scale based on property prices. 521 00:25:18,101 --> 00:25:21,495 The international landscape was also changing rapidly. 522 00:25:21,495 --> 00:25:25,042 The early '90s marked the collapse of the Soviet Union 523 00:25:25,042 --> 00:25:28,920 as well as the end of the apartheid in South Africa. 524 00:25:28,920 --> 00:25:33,507 Major remained engaged in the international organizations 525 00:25:33,507 --> 00:25:34,634 such as the United Nations 526 00:25:34,634 --> 00:25:39,164 and the Commonwealth of which the Queen was head. 527 00:25:40,331 --> 00:25:41,558 (upbeat African music) 528 00:25:41,558 --> 00:25:44,353 [Reporter] For the first time in recent political memory, 529 00:25:44,353 --> 00:25:46,355 Commonwealth leaders gathered for a meeting 530 00:25:46,355 --> 00:25:48,606 where strong feelings about South Africa 531 00:25:48,606 --> 00:25:50,524 no longer threaten the harmony. 532 00:25:50,524 --> 00:25:52,527 The British camp has been working hard to ensure 533 00:25:52,527 --> 00:25:55,739 that what differences still exist don't develop 534 00:25:55,739 --> 00:25:57,408 into open disputes, 535 00:25:57,408 --> 00:26:00,286 and the Prime Minister's efforts were rewarded today. 536 00:26:00,286 --> 00:26:02,288 Over lunch, Nelson Mandela briefed him 537 00:26:02,288 --> 00:26:04,415 on his ideas for changing the timetable 538 00:26:04,415 --> 00:26:07,126 for lifting sanctions against South Africa. 539 00:26:07,126 --> 00:26:08,002 The ANC leader followed that 540 00:26:08,002 --> 00:26:11,629 with the sort of endorsement politicians dream of. 541 00:26:11,629 --> 00:26:14,407 Whatever differences may be there, 542 00:26:14,573 --> 00:26:16,550 one thing is clear, 543 00:26:16,550 --> 00:26:18,011 that the British government 544 00:26:18,011 --> 00:26:21,182 and the British people are the enemies 545 00:26:21,182 --> 00:26:24,518 of all forms of racial discrimination. 546 00:26:24,518 --> 00:26:27,604 There is an awkward question being quietly asked here. 547 00:26:27,604 --> 00:26:31,024 Once the Commonwealth stops arguing about South Africa, 548 00:26:31,024 --> 00:26:31,776 does it become little more 549 00:26:31,776 --> 00:26:34,403 than a rather grand international club? 550 00:26:34,403 --> 00:26:35,945 That's why there's so much talk this week 551 00:26:35,945 --> 00:26:39,073 about finding a new role for the Commonwealth. 552 00:26:39,073 --> 00:26:40,574 Among those dining with the Queen tonight, 553 00:26:40,574 --> 00:26:43,703 there's no question of abandoning Commonwealth traditions 554 00:26:43,703 --> 00:26:45,579 like decision by consensus. 555 00:26:45,579 --> 00:26:48,082 So, initiatives like John Major's proposal 556 00:26:48,082 --> 00:26:49,876 that the Commonwealth become a guardian 557 00:26:49,876 --> 00:26:51,585 of human rights and democracy 558 00:26:51,585 --> 00:26:52,587 have to be made rather gingerly, 559 00:26:52,587 --> 00:26:55,924 especially when they involve pointing the finger of blame. 560 00:26:55,924 --> 00:26:58,843 Member states of the Commonwealth have not always applied 561 00:26:58,843 --> 00:27:01,805 the values which our organization represents, 562 00:27:01,805 --> 00:27:04,598 but we have always held onto those values. 563 00:27:04,598 --> 00:27:08,602 They represent a yard stick of behavior for each one of us. 564 00:27:08,602 --> 00:27:12,274 The Commonwealth is well placed to catch the tidal wave 565 00:27:12,274 --> 00:27:13,607 of human rights and democracy 566 00:27:13,607 --> 00:27:16,570 which is sweeping across much of the world. 567 00:27:16,570 --> 00:27:18,280 [Narrator] Though actively engaged, 568 00:27:18,280 --> 00:27:20,407 Major found some of these meetings 569 00:27:20,407 --> 00:27:22,617 to be deeply frustrating, 570 00:27:22,617 --> 00:27:24,453 Nothing much would be achieved, 571 00:27:24,453 --> 00:27:28,457 and he would tire of sitting through interminable speeches 572 00:27:28,457 --> 00:27:31,544 and watching elaborate ceremonies. 573 00:27:31,544 --> 00:27:33,212 Major felt, in particular, 574 00:27:33,212 --> 00:27:36,756 the G7 summits were notorious for this. 575 00:27:36,756 --> 00:27:39,634 After agreement from US President Bill Clinton, 576 00:27:39,634 --> 00:27:44,638 successive summits were much more scaled down and informal, 577 00:27:44,638 --> 00:27:46,874 much to Major's delight. 578 00:27:47,875 --> 00:27:53,672 (helicopter whirring) (tense music) 579 00:28:03,433 --> 00:28:04,410 We've told Saddam Hussein, 580 00:28:04,410 --> 00:28:06,203 he's been told quite clearly by the allies, 581 00:28:06,203 --> 00:28:09,623 that we wish to ensure the safety of the no fly zone. 582 00:28:09,623 --> 00:28:11,542 Firstly, he must honor the no fly zone. 583 00:28:11,542 --> 00:28:12,666 There's been no more flying in it, 584 00:28:12,666 --> 00:28:15,379 and secondly, he must remove the SAM missiles. 585 00:28:15,379 --> 00:28:17,590 That's made perfectly clear to him. 586 00:28:17,590 --> 00:28:18,672 He knows that, 587 00:28:18,672 --> 00:28:20,133 set a timeframe for it. 588 00:28:20,133 --> 00:28:21,343 I hope he will comply. 589 00:28:21,343 --> 00:28:25,580 (slow contemplative music) 590 00:28:29,791 --> 00:28:31,228 [Narrator] One of the defining elements 591 00:28:31,228 --> 00:28:35,316 of John Major's premiership was the Gulf War. 592 00:28:35,316 --> 00:28:37,276 John Major became Prime Minister 593 00:28:37,276 --> 00:28:41,346 shortly after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. 594 00:28:41,929 --> 00:28:46,117 US President George Bush and John Major worked together 595 00:28:46,117 --> 00:28:49,288 to try and find a peaceful solution. 596 00:28:49,288 --> 00:28:50,997 The so-called special relationship 597 00:28:50,997 --> 00:28:55,835 between the UK and US continued in Major's premiership. 598 00:28:55,835 --> 00:28:59,088 Major and Bush got on remarkably well. 599 00:28:59,088 --> 00:29:01,592 However, despite their best efforts, 600 00:29:01,592 --> 00:29:05,387 military action started in January, 1991 601 00:29:05,387 --> 00:29:08,474 after Iraq had been given a deadline to leave 602 00:29:08,474 --> 00:29:11,725 but their forces continued to occupy Kuwait. 603 00:29:11,725 --> 00:29:15,045 (slow tense music) 604 00:29:21,678 --> 00:29:24,113 [Reporter] John Major has brought a fighting message 605 00:29:24,113 --> 00:29:24,739 to Saudi Arabia, 606 00:29:24,739 --> 00:29:28,535 rejecting out of hand any deal short of total withdrawal 607 00:29:28,535 --> 00:29:29,329 by Saddam Hussein, 608 00:29:29,329 --> 00:29:33,748 telling his hosts that Iraq could not possibly win any war 609 00:29:33,748 --> 00:29:35,124 and dismissing any talk 610 00:29:35,124 --> 00:29:37,751 of changing the deadline for withdrawal. 611 00:29:37,751 --> 00:29:40,714 The airport at which he landed is ready for war. 612 00:29:40,714 --> 00:29:43,757 The signs of the American buildup are everywhere, 613 00:29:43,757 --> 00:29:44,884 and because of that massive force, 614 00:29:44,884 --> 00:29:47,761 John Major says, the allies cannot lose. 615 00:29:47,761 --> 00:29:50,764 I hope Saddam Hussein realizes what's ranged against him. 616 00:29:50,764 --> 00:29:53,767 There is no possibility that he could win any conflict, 617 00:29:53,767 --> 00:29:54,769 no possibility whatsoever. 618 00:29:54,769 --> 00:29:55,770 [Reporter] And that is mostly 619 00:29:55,770 --> 00:29:58,147 because the air power would be overwhelmingly on one side? 620 00:29:58,147 --> 00:29:59,773 The air power is very substantial, 621 00:29:59,773 --> 00:30:02,276 but the rest of the power is awesome as well. 622 00:30:02,276 --> 00:30:03,777 [Reporter] News of the attempts by Iraq 623 00:30:03,777 --> 00:30:05,863 to get the deadline for action postponed 624 00:30:05,863 --> 00:30:07,073 filtered through as he toured. 625 00:30:07,073 --> 00:30:09,368 The Prime Minister was not interested. 626 00:30:09,368 --> 00:30:11,704 No, there's no question of shifting the deadline. 627 00:30:11,704 --> 00:30:13,787 We've known for some time that he may play games 628 00:30:13,787 --> 00:30:15,749 of this sort and try to edge the deadline forward. 629 00:30:15,749 --> 00:30:18,419 It isn't something that we are prepared to contemplate. 630 00:30:18,419 --> 00:30:20,086 [Reporter] That tough line is partly the result 631 00:30:20,086 --> 00:30:22,339 of the suffering of those still in Kuwait, 632 00:30:22,339 --> 00:30:23,797 outlined once again in a meeting 633 00:30:23,797 --> 00:30:26,677 with the Exar Kuwaiti leaders earlier today. 634 00:30:26,677 --> 00:30:28,679 It's also, of course, part of the campaign 635 00:30:28,679 --> 00:30:32,766 to persuade Saddam that withdrawal is his only option. 636 00:30:32,766 --> 00:30:33,601 The British here still hope 637 00:30:33,601 --> 00:30:36,269 the Iraqi leader will change his mind and withdraw, 638 00:30:36,269 --> 00:30:37,771 but like the rest of the country, 639 00:30:37,771 --> 00:30:38,812 they're preparing for war. 640 00:30:38,812 --> 00:30:41,815 Diplomats were handing out some of 12,000 gas masks 641 00:30:41,815 --> 00:30:45,362 to the British civilians today as John Major arrived. 642 00:30:45,362 --> 00:30:46,238 It's very nice to see you all. 643 00:30:46,238 --> 00:30:47,989 [Reporter] How does he explain to those 644 00:30:47,989 --> 00:30:49,907 who might be caught up in a Gulf War 645 00:30:49,907 --> 00:30:51,825 why the price is worth paying? 646 00:30:51,825 --> 00:30:54,413 If we are not prepared to deal with this matter now, 647 00:30:54,413 --> 00:30:58,291 we might face, quite apart from not correcting a wrong 648 00:30:58,291 --> 00:30:59,793 that needs to be put right, 649 00:30:59,793 --> 00:31:01,754 we might face a far greater problem 650 00:31:01,754 --> 00:31:02,879 in the not too distant future. 651 00:31:02,879 --> 00:31:04,465 I don't think that's tolerable. 652 00:31:04,465 --> 00:31:05,839 We've learned from history in the past 653 00:31:05,839 --> 00:31:08,217 that if you put off dealing with this sort of problem, 654 00:31:08,217 --> 00:31:11,179 you may well have a larger problem a little later. 655 00:31:11,179 --> 00:31:11,846 Everyone, I think, 656 00:31:11,846 --> 00:31:13,847 in the international community understands 657 00:31:13,847 --> 00:31:14,517 that very well. 658 00:31:14,517 --> 00:31:16,810 Tonight, came an audience with King Fahd 659 00:31:16,810 --> 00:31:17,395 of Saudi Arabia. 660 00:31:17,395 --> 00:31:20,854 The subject, security in the Gulf after Kuwait is regained. 661 00:31:20,854 --> 00:31:23,191 Tomorrow, John Major travels into the desert 662 00:31:23,191 --> 00:31:25,276 for perhaps the most vital part of this tour, 663 00:31:25,276 --> 00:31:29,322 to see some of the 34,000 British service men and women 664 00:31:29,322 --> 00:31:30,407 on duty in the Gulf. 665 00:31:30,407 --> 00:31:31,908 He'll ask them what their problems are, 666 00:31:31,908 --> 00:31:35,036 and he'll try to reassure them that if the war comes, 667 00:31:35,036 --> 00:31:36,580 it's one they're going to win. 668 00:31:36,580 --> 00:31:38,457 Now, tomorrow, you visit the British troops 669 00:31:38,457 --> 00:31:43,462 and you've said that Saddam Hussein cannot win any conflict 670 00:31:43,462 --> 00:31:46,380 because of the sheer force against him. 671 00:31:46,380 --> 00:31:49,175 He can, nevertheless, embark on a nasty 672 00:31:49,175 --> 00:31:53,887 and brutal conflict involving many British personnel. 673 00:31:53,887 --> 00:31:55,890 Well, he's already embarked upon a nasty 674 00:31:55,890 --> 00:31:58,184 and brutal conflict in Kuwait 675 00:31:58,184 --> 00:31:58,893 We know he has done that 676 00:31:58,893 --> 00:32:01,895 and it is to expel him from continuing that 677 00:32:01,895 --> 00:32:03,106 that British troops are there. 678 00:32:03,106 --> 00:32:04,315 We're all well aware of that. 679 00:32:04,315 --> 00:32:08,027 There is the most enormous amount of allied power here, 680 00:32:08,027 --> 00:32:10,071 both air power and land power. 681 00:32:10,071 --> 00:32:12,323 It is quite impossible for Saddam Hussein 682 00:32:12,323 --> 00:32:13,534 to prevail against that, 683 00:32:13,534 --> 00:32:14,908 and I hope he will realize it. 684 00:32:14,908 --> 00:32:17,663 If we are not prepared to deal with this matter now, 685 00:32:17,663 --> 00:32:21,500 we might face, quite apart from not correcting a wrong 686 00:32:21,500 --> 00:32:22,916 that needs to be put right, 687 00:32:22,916 --> 00:32:24,918 we might face a far greater problem 688 00:32:24,918 --> 00:32:26,045 in the not too distant future. 689 00:32:26,045 --> 00:32:27,631 I don't think that's tolerable. 690 00:32:27,631 --> 00:32:28,922 We've learned from history in the past 691 00:32:28,922 --> 00:32:31,342 that if you put off dealing with this sort of problem, 692 00:32:31,342 --> 00:32:34,345 you may well have a larger problem a little later. 693 00:32:34,345 --> 00:32:34,972 Everyone, I think, 694 00:32:34,972 --> 00:32:36,930 in the international community understands 695 00:32:36,930 --> 00:32:38,015 that very well. 696 00:32:38,015 --> 00:32:39,560 [Narrator] Major flew to the Gulf 697 00:32:39,560 --> 00:32:42,436 to see for himself what the situation was. 698 00:32:42,436 --> 00:32:45,939 Meeting the servicemen struck a chord with Major. 699 00:32:45,939 --> 00:32:49,235 His son was only a little younger than the troops, 700 00:32:49,235 --> 00:32:50,863 and it was very moving for him 701 00:32:50,863 --> 00:32:53,971 to see the reality of what was happening. 702 00:32:54,972 --> 00:32:56,200 [Reporter] The Prime Minister charged 703 00:32:56,200 --> 00:32:58,286 across the sands of Saudi Arabia today 704 00:32:58,286 --> 00:33:00,914 in the company of the troops who, next week, 705 00:33:00,914 --> 00:33:02,624 may be committed to war. 706 00:33:02,624 --> 00:33:04,958 In Mr. Major's words to the troops, 707 00:33:04,958 --> 00:33:05,959 Close in please. 708 00:33:05,959 --> 00:33:07,003 [Reporter] "We may invite you 709 00:33:07,003 --> 00:33:10,214 to forcibly remove Saddam Hussein," 710 00:33:10,214 --> 00:33:12,551 but for all the war like talk in the desert, 711 00:33:12,551 --> 00:33:15,303 Mr. Major has effectively ruled out the use 712 00:33:15,303 --> 00:33:16,970 of the ultimate weapon. 713 00:33:16,970 --> 00:33:17,640 The question? 714 00:33:17,640 --> 00:33:19,808 If the allies are attacked with chemical weapons, 715 00:33:19,808 --> 00:33:21,975 would they retaliate with nuclear? 716 00:33:21,975 --> 00:33:24,228 We have plenty of weapons short of that 717 00:33:24,228 --> 00:33:26,980 and we have no plans of the sort you envisage, 718 00:33:26,980 --> 00:33:28,901 and we hope, and we hope, 719 00:33:28,901 --> 00:33:32,654 we hope it is perfectly clear to Saddam Hussein that, 720 00:33:32,654 --> 00:33:34,988 firstly, that our men will be well protected 721 00:33:34,988 --> 00:33:35,989 against chemical weapons. 722 00:33:35,989 --> 00:33:37,991 He'd be very unwise to do that. 723 00:33:37,991 --> 00:33:39,578 I hope he won't do that. 724 00:33:39,578 --> 00:33:41,622 I hope he will actually have the sense 725 00:33:41,622 --> 00:33:42,915 to make a peaceful withdrawal, 726 00:33:42,915 --> 00:33:46,710 but we have plenty of weapons short of those you mention. 727 00:33:46,710 --> 00:33:47,753 [Reporter] Otherwise, Mr. Major 728 00:33:47,753 --> 00:33:49,880 took an extremely tough line against Saddam, 729 00:33:49,880 --> 00:33:52,340 promising there'd be no concessions to gain peace. 730 00:33:52,340 --> 00:33:55,969 He would be forced to leave all the land he had taken. 731 00:33:55,969 --> 00:33:57,971 It was a visit designed to raise morale 732 00:33:57,971 --> 00:34:00,223 among the armed forces and at home as well, 733 00:34:00,223 --> 00:34:03,059 as the deadline for action draws near. 734 00:34:03,059 --> 00:34:05,144 (tense music) 735 00:34:05,144 --> 00:34:06,020 [Narrator] Major made 736 00:34:06,020 --> 00:34:08,857 an unusual prime ministerial broadcast 737 00:34:08,857 --> 00:34:11,466 upon his return to the UK. 738 00:34:12,593 --> 00:34:16,405 First, we must get Iraq out of Kuwait, 739 00:34:16,405 --> 00:34:17,866 right out of Kuwait. 740 00:34:17,866 --> 00:34:22,770 Second, we must restore Kuwait's legitimate government, 741 00:34:22,770 --> 00:34:26,415 and third, we must uphold the authority 742 00:34:26,415 --> 00:34:27,334 of the United Nations. 743 00:34:27,334 --> 00:34:31,838 The operation on which we have embarked involves danger 744 00:34:31,838 --> 00:34:33,280 and sacrifice, 745 00:34:33,614 --> 00:34:36,951 but I am confident that it will succeed 746 00:34:37,074 --> 00:34:40,913 and we know it is a battle which has to be fought. 747 00:34:43,749 --> 00:34:46,603 [George] Now, the 28 countries with forces 748 00:34:46,603 --> 00:34:50,899 in the Gulf area have exhausted all reasonable efforts 749 00:34:50,899 --> 00:34:52,985 to reach a peaceful resolution, 750 00:34:52,985 --> 00:34:58,740 have no choice but to drive Saddam from Kuwait by force. 751 00:34:58,740 --> 00:35:00,073 We will not fail. 752 00:35:00,073 --> 00:35:05,270 Air attacks are underway against military targets in Iraq. 753 00:35:06,063 --> 00:35:09,417 [Narrator] On the 16th January, 1991, 754 00:35:09,417 --> 00:35:13,110 Operation Desert Storm commenced. 755 00:35:13,696 --> 00:35:14,214 (bomb exploding) 756 00:35:14,214 --> 00:35:19,176 US war planes attacked military targets in Iraq. 757 00:35:19,176 --> 00:35:24,265 On the 24th February, ground war began. 758 00:35:24,265 --> 00:35:25,726 (gun clicking) 759 00:35:25,726 --> 00:35:27,060 (gunshots popping) 760 00:35:27,060 --> 00:35:30,462 (soldiers chatting) 761 00:35:32,464 --> 00:35:37,570 (gunshots popping) (slow music) 762 00:35:37,570 --> 00:35:38,488 Of course, the Queen, 763 00:35:38,488 --> 00:35:42,993 among her many other roles, is head of armed forces. 764 00:35:42,993 --> 00:35:46,495 Conversations between the Queen and her Prime Minister 765 00:35:46,495 --> 00:35:49,122 would have surely included great discussion 766 00:35:49,122 --> 00:35:52,002 about sending her troops to war. 767 00:35:52,002 --> 00:35:55,964 Most unusually, the Queen televised a broadcast 768 00:35:55,964 --> 00:35:59,132 detailing the nation's pride in its armed forces 769 00:35:59,132 --> 00:36:03,829 and her hope for a swift conclusion to the Gulf War. 770 00:36:06,163 --> 00:36:10,143 As they, with our allies, face a fresh 771 00:36:10,143 --> 00:36:12,253 and yet sterner challenge, 772 00:36:12,797 --> 00:36:15,399 I hope that we can unite in praying 773 00:36:15,399 --> 00:36:19,344 that their success will be as swift as it is certain 774 00:36:20,177 --> 00:36:23,156 and that it may be achieved with as small a cost 775 00:36:23,156 --> 00:36:26,852 in human life and suffering as possible. 776 00:36:27,310 --> 00:36:31,665 Then may the true reward of their courage be granted, 777 00:36:31,665 --> 00:36:34,191 a just and lasting peace. 778 00:36:35,193 --> 00:36:37,130 [Narrator] By the 28th February, 779 00:36:37,130 --> 00:36:42,426 Bush announced a ceasefire, leaving Kuwait liberated. 780 00:36:42,426 --> 00:36:44,553 On the 3rd March, 1991, 781 00:36:44,553 --> 00:36:47,766 Iraq agreed to all UN resolutions 782 00:36:47,766 --> 00:36:50,018 and an agreement was finally signed 783 00:36:50,018 --> 00:36:52,645 on the 6th of April, 1991. 784 00:36:52,645 --> 00:36:53,855 (tense music) 785 00:36:53,855 --> 00:36:56,649 Thank you very much for what you've done over the last, 786 00:36:56,649 --> 00:36:57,650 over the last few months. 787 00:36:57,650 --> 00:37:01,113 It's been an absolutely fabulous job. 788 00:37:01,113 --> 00:37:03,572 I don't think it could have been better done 789 00:37:03,572 --> 00:37:05,616 and the general impression back home, 790 00:37:05,616 --> 00:37:08,201 and I think it's the right impression, 791 00:37:08,201 --> 00:37:09,080 is that this has been one 792 00:37:09,080 --> 00:37:13,206 of the most remarkable military episodes ever. 793 00:37:13,206 --> 00:37:15,668 It's been a copy book exercise. 794 00:37:15,668 --> 00:37:17,586 It was brilliantly planned, 795 00:37:17,586 --> 00:37:19,212 It was brilliantly done, 796 00:37:19,212 --> 00:37:21,758 and I'd just like you to know how very proud 797 00:37:21,758 --> 00:37:25,178 at home everyone is in the way that performed 798 00:37:25,178 --> 00:37:26,139 and the way you operated 799 00:37:26,139 --> 00:37:27,721 over the period of the last few months. 800 00:37:27,721 --> 00:37:31,392 We won't keep you out here a day longer than we have to. 801 00:37:31,392 --> 00:37:34,227 The sooner we can get you back home, we'll do so. 802 00:37:34,227 --> 00:37:38,150 I can't tell you precisely when that will be, 803 00:37:38,150 --> 00:37:39,232 but I do give you my word 804 00:37:39,232 --> 00:37:41,903 there will be no undue delay about it. 805 00:37:41,903 --> 00:37:44,321 [Reporter] From one forward camp merging with the desert 806 00:37:44,321 --> 00:37:46,532 to another and to the soldiers in each, 807 00:37:46,532 --> 00:37:48,241 he brought the same message. 808 00:37:48,241 --> 00:37:50,286 Thank you for your magnificent effort. 809 00:37:50,286 --> 00:37:52,621 We'll get you home as soon as possible, 810 00:37:52,621 --> 00:37:54,707 and you'll go on leave when you get there. 811 00:37:54,707 --> 00:37:58,251 In return, the Desert Rats presented the Prime Minister 812 00:37:58,251 --> 00:37:58,963 with a memento, 813 00:37:58,963 --> 00:38:01,755 a helmet, and a Chinese made Kalashnikov. 814 00:38:01,755 --> 00:38:03,299 Thank you very much indeed. 815 00:38:03,299 --> 00:38:06,343 This will give me cabinet authority of a sort. 816 00:38:06,343 --> 00:38:09,262 (crowd laughing) 817 00:38:09,262 --> 00:38:12,683 Just wait till we discuss public expenditure next year. 818 00:38:12,683 --> 00:38:14,727 (crowd laughing) 819 00:38:14,727 --> 00:38:16,897 [Reporter] His final visit was to HMS Brave, 820 00:38:16,897 --> 00:38:19,024 where he brought to the sailors the same news 821 00:38:19,024 --> 00:38:21,775 and message he'd given to the land forces. 822 00:38:21,775 --> 00:38:24,905 Absolutely fabulous, well done. 823 00:38:24,905 --> 00:38:26,198 Thanks very much indeed. 824 00:38:26,198 --> 00:38:26,949 Thank you, thank you. 825 00:38:26,949 --> 00:38:28,241 [Desmond] But the importance of this visit, 826 00:38:28,241 --> 00:38:30,076 to Kuwaitis and British forces, 827 00:38:30,076 --> 00:38:32,996 lies in Mr. Major being the first senior statesman 828 00:38:32,996 --> 00:38:34,538 to come here since the war. 829 00:38:34,538 --> 00:38:36,249 Desmond Hamill, News at 10 830 00:38:36,249 --> 00:38:38,291 with the Prime Minister in the Gulf. 831 00:38:38,291 --> 00:38:39,212 (crowd chattering) 832 00:38:39,212 --> 00:38:41,462 Like seeing one of you lot with my wife. 833 00:38:41,462 --> 00:38:42,296 (group laughing) 834 00:38:42,296 --> 00:38:46,323 (slow contemplative music) 835 00:38:51,288 --> 00:38:53,432 [Narrator] The Queen welcomed home British troops 836 00:38:53,432 --> 00:38:56,309 returning from the first Gulf War. 837 00:38:56,309 --> 00:38:59,480 Thousands watched as 1,000 service men 838 00:38:59,480 --> 00:39:02,275 and women paraded through London. 839 00:39:02,275 --> 00:39:06,343 (slow contemplative music) 840 00:39:11,348 --> 00:39:14,327 (drums beating) 841 00:39:14,327 --> 00:39:18,875 Though more reserved in its celebrations than in the US, 842 00:39:18,875 --> 00:39:22,087 a quiet triumph filled the city, 843 00:39:22,087 --> 00:39:22,712 a shared hope 844 00:39:22,712 --> 00:39:26,757 and genuine sense of pride pervaded the country. 845 00:39:26,757 --> 00:39:31,036 (slow contemplative music) 846 00:39:48,385 --> 00:39:49,405 Another defining factor 847 00:39:49,405 --> 00:39:54,160 for Major was the Northern Ireland peace process. 848 00:39:54,160 --> 00:39:55,661 Major took his premiership 849 00:39:55,661 --> 00:39:59,540 in the midst of the troubles with Northern Ireland. 850 00:39:59,540 --> 00:40:02,043 The tension had been rising for decades, 851 00:40:02,043 --> 00:40:04,712 and he was given a distinct and clear reminder 852 00:40:04,712 --> 00:40:08,757 of the work that was needed to unite the nations. 853 00:40:08,757 --> 00:40:11,384 On the 7th February, 1991, 854 00:40:11,384 --> 00:40:15,181 the IRA launched three homemade mortar shells 855 00:40:15,181 --> 00:40:16,389 at 10 Downing Street 856 00:40:16,389 --> 00:40:20,686 in an attempt to assassinate Prime Minister John Major. 857 00:40:20,686 --> 00:40:22,563 [Reporter] This was a well planned attack 858 00:40:22,563 --> 00:40:25,233 aimed at the center of government. 859 00:40:25,233 --> 00:40:25,985 On firing White Hall, 860 00:40:25,985 --> 00:40:28,736 the van used to launch mortars at 10 Downing Street 861 00:40:28,736 --> 00:40:30,654 while the war cabinet was in session. 862 00:40:30,654 --> 00:40:33,490 An ITN camera was recording outside the front door 863 00:40:33,490 --> 00:40:35,701 when the blast rocked the building. 864 00:40:35,701 --> 00:40:38,895 (bomb exploding) 865 00:40:40,147 --> 00:40:41,374 Over the top of the building, 866 00:40:41,374 --> 00:40:42,916 a plume of smoke from the blast, 867 00:40:42,916 --> 00:40:46,419 one mortar landed in the garden of Number 10 and exploded, 868 00:40:46,419 --> 00:40:48,131 blowing a deep crater in the lawn 869 00:40:48,131 --> 00:40:50,008 and smashing dozens of windows. 870 00:40:50,008 --> 00:40:51,759 The other two failed to go off. 871 00:40:51,759 --> 00:40:54,304 Two men were seen running away from the van, 872 00:40:54,304 --> 00:40:55,429 which appears to have been stopped 873 00:40:55,429 --> 00:40:57,806 on a precise spot to launch the bombs. 874 00:40:57,806 --> 00:41:00,517 There's no doubt this attack had been well planned. 875 00:41:00,517 --> 00:41:02,603 The mortar's aimed at a precise angle 876 00:41:02,603 --> 00:41:04,064 through a hole cut in the roof. 877 00:41:04,064 --> 00:41:07,108 Finding that spot would've taken weeks of surveillance. 878 00:41:07,108 --> 00:41:07,692 (horn honking) 879 00:41:07,692 --> 00:41:11,737 One bus driver saw the missiles actually being launched. 880 00:41:11,737 --> 00:41:13,447 (slow music) 881 00:41:13,447 --> 00:41:15,116 He's just went into there. 882 00:41:15,116 --> 00:41:16,659 I mean, first we heard the bang, 883 00:41:16,659 --> 00:41:20,579 then the missile came through the roof of the transit van, 884 00:41:20,579 --> 00:41:22,790 which didn't go very high. 885 00:41:22,790 --> 00:41:25,584 I saw myself, it didn't go very high. 886 00:41:25,584 --> 00:41:30,173 Then within five seconds, another bang came out of 10 887 00:41:30,173 --> 00:41:30,840 and the missile came out 888 00:41:30,840 --> 00:41:34,201 and then the van went into a flame. 889 00:41:34,368 --> 00:41:36,469 [Reporter] ITN staff working only a few yards 890 00:41:36,469 --> 00:41:38,931 from the back of Number 10 ran for their lives 891 00:41:38,931 --> 00:41:40,433 as the mortars rained down. 892 00:41:40,433 --> 00:41:44,001 We were sitting in our outside broadcast vehicle 893 00:41:44,461 --> 00:41:46,356 behind Downing Street, 894 00:41:46,356 --> 00:41:49,608 and all of a sudden, we heard a loud explosion 895 00:41:49,608 --> 00:41:53,137 to the right of us, a matter of a few feet away. 896 00:41:53,803 --> 00:41:56,241 The whole vehicle shook. 897 00:41:56,241 --> 00:41:57,557 We lost of power, 898 00:41:57,765 --> 00:42:01,454 lots of smoke in the vicinity, 899 00:42:01,454 --> 00:42:02,913 and then we ran for it. 900 00:42:02,913 --> 00:42:04,124 [Reporter] Police immediately moved in 901 00:42:04,124 --> 00:42:07,500 to clear an area stretching up to a mile in each direction. 902 00:42:07,500 --> 00:42:09,628 Nobody knew whether there were more bombs 903 00:42:09,628 --> 00:42:10,671 or booby trapped devices 904 00:42:10,671 --> 00:42:15,008 inside the area. - Go back up the street now. 905 00:42:15,008 --> 00:42:15,844 Go back up the street. 906 00:42:15,844 --> 00:42:17,510 It is not safe. Move. 907 00:42:17,510 --> 00:42:18,554 (slow tense music) 908 00:42:18,554 --> 00:42:21,765 In fact, one woman and two policemen had been hurt 909 00:42:21,765 --> 00:42:22,516 by flying glass. 910 00:42:22,516 --> 00:42:25,228 The Prime Minister and his war cabinet had been protected 911 00:42:25,228 --> 00:42:27,463 by strengthened windows. 912 00:42:27,463 --> 00:42:28,814 As news of the attack spread, 913 00:42:28,814 --> 00:42:30,023 there was a deep sense of shock 914 00:42:30,023 --> 00:42:31,524 that the provisional IRA had managed 915 00:42:31,524 --> 00:42:35,863 to strike so accurately at a time of such high security. 916 00:42:35,863 --> 00:42:38,074 Police had been convinced for some time 917 00:42:38,074 --> 00:42:40,826 that an IRA cell was still in this country. 918 00:42:40,826 --> 00:42:44,205 First priority now will be to examine the van 919 00:42:44,205 --> 00:42:44,748 and the missiles 920 00:42:44,748 --> 00:42:46,999 to see whether they provide any clues 921 00:42:46,999 --> 00:42:49,276 as to who the attackers were. 922 00:42:49,566 --> 00:42:51,712 [Narrator] The IRA had been planning this attack 923 00:42:51,712 --> 00:42:54,965 against former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, 924 00:42:54,965 --> 00:42:57,177 but after her sudden resignation, 925 00:42:57,177 --> 00:42:59,845 they decided to target her successor. 926 00:42:59,845 --> 00:43:03,556 The mortar shells exploded in the garden of Number 10 927 00:43:03,556 --> 00:43:06,977 in an attempt to destroy the cabinet office. 928 00:43:06,977 --> 00:43:09,688 Due to the bomb resistant windows, 929 00:43:09,688 --> 00:43:11,564 none of the cabinet were hurt, 930 00:43:11,564 --> 00:43:14,902 though four people received minor injuries, 931 00:43:14,902 --> 00:43:17,678 two of which were police officers. 932 00:43:18,347 --> 00:43:21,950 This was a real wake up call for the Prime Minister. 933 00:43:21,950 --> 00:43:24,870 He knew helping to build a peaceful relationship 934 00:43:24,870 --> 00:43:28,581 with Northern Ireland would be an important part 935 00:43:28,581 --> 00:43:29,582 of his premiership. 936 00:43:29,582 --> 00:43:31,584 (slow contemplative music) 937 00:43:31,584 --> 00:43:35,340 A new draft of the Anglo-Irish Declaration was proposed 938 00:43:35,340 --> 00:43:40,969 in 1993, eventually becoming the Downing Street Declaration, 939 00:43:40,969 --> 00:43:43,847 one of the first significant steps on the road 940 00:43:43,847 --> 00:43:47,477 to the Good Friday Agreement years later. 941 00:43:47,477 --> 00:43:50,480 It contained the principle of consent, 942 00:43:50,480 --> 00:43:54,107 the foundation on which the peace process was built, 943 00:43:54,107 --> 00:43:56,528 essentially stating the constitutional future 944 00:43:56,528 --> 00:44:01,390 of Northern Ireland would be decided by its own people. 945 00:44:02,639 --> 00:44:04,618 Unfortunately, in 1996, 946 00:44:04,618 --> 00:44:08,997 the IRA planted a bomb which exploded in Docklands. 947 00:44:08,997 --> 00:44:13,419 The event marked the end of a 17 month ceasefire. 948 00:44:13,419 --> 00:44:15,629 Two were killed and many more injured. 949 00:44:15,629 --> 00:44:20,385 It was a horrific event that prompted further discussions 950 00:44:20,385 --> 00:44:22,286 on the peace process. 951 00:44:23,579 --> 00:44:27,183 Major gave a ministerial broadcast, addressing the nation 952 00:44:27,183 --> 00:44:32,145 on the bombing and the breakdown of the IRA's ceasefire. 953 00:44:32,145 --> 00:44:37,133 More needed to be done to unite the nations in peace. 954 00:44:37,800 --> 00:44:40,028 After five months of peace, 955 00:44:40,028 --> 00:44:42,490 surely it is time to look ahead, 956 00:44:42,490 --> 00:44:45,577 judge our proposals as a whole. 957 00:44:45,577 --> 00:44:47,953 There is nothing you need fear. 958 00:44:47,953 --> 00:44:49,788 [Narrator] Although Major was not Prime Minister 959 00:44:49,788 --> 00:44:53,666 when the Good Friday Agreement was signed a few years later 960 00:44:53,666 --> 00:44:55,669 by Prime Minister Tony Blair, 961 00:44:55,669 --> 00:44:57,670 it cannot be understated the work 962 00:44:57,670 --> 00:45:01,717 and influence Major had on realizing the agreement. 963 00:45:01,717 --> 00:45:06,138 It remains one of the great successes of his premiership, 964 00:45:06,138 --> 00:45:08,891 highlighting his extraordinary patience 965 00:45:08,891 --> 00:45:11,876 and skill in negotiating. 966 00:45:13,462 --> 00:45:17,690 The Queen's cousin, Lord Louis Mountbatten was killed 967 00:45:17,690 --> 00:45:20,653 by the IRA in 1979, 968 00:45:20,653 --> 00:45:22,572 but later, in 2011, 969 00:45:22,572 --> 00:45:26,242 she would display the importance of peace and diplomacy 970 00:45:26,242 --> 00:45:29,745 as she shook hands with a former IRA leader. 971 00:45:29,745 --> 00:45:33,081 Discussions between Her Majesty and the Prime Minister 972 00:45:33,081 --> 00:45:35,708 during these years must have focused 973 00:45:35,708 --> 00:45:37,670 on the need for resolution. 974 00:45:37,670 --> 00:45:40,447 (slow music) 975 00:45:42,031 --> 00:45:46,719 ♪ For he's a jolly good fellow ♪ 976 00:45:46,719 --> 00:45:48,640 In April, 1992, 977 00:45:48,640 --> 00:45:53,394 Major called for an election which he won unexpectedly 978 00:45:53,394 --> 00:45:56,606 with a majority of 336 seats, 979 00:45:56,606 --> 00:46:00,610 the fourth conservative election win in a row. 980 00:46:00,610 --> 00:46:02,778 It was an extraordinary win, 981 00:46:02,778 --> 00:46:05,113 as he remains the only Prime Minister 982 00:46:05,113 --> 00:46:08,241 to have gained more than 14 million votes 983 00:46:08,241 --> 00:46:09,742 in a general election. 984 00:46:09,742 --> 00:46:11,995 (gentle music) 985 00:46:11,995 --> 00:46:12,746 (audience clapping) 986 00:46:12,746 --> 00:46:14,747 [Reporter] After 16 months on an uncertain lease, 987 00:46:14,747 --> 00:46:16,749 Mr. Major is already a different man. 988 00:46:16,749 --> 00:46:19,211 Downing Street is now, he says, home. 989 00:46:19,211 --> 00:46:19,795 (audience clapping) 990 00:46:19,795 --> 00:46:20,754 Thank you very much indeed. 991 00:46:20,754 --> 00:46:22,507 I've only got one thing to say. 992 00:46:22,507 --> 00:46:23,675 It's nice to be back. 993 00:46:23,675 --> 00:46:24,757 (audience cheering) 994 00:46:24,757 --> 00:46:26,759 [Reporter] The boost to his confidence was obvious 995 00:46:26,759 --> 00:46:27,760 as he strode into Downing Street, 996 00:46:27,760 --> 00:46:30,682 a street which is normally closed to the general public 997 00:46:30,682 --> 00:46:33,016 but which today was opened up to let supporters 998 00:46:33,016 --> 00:46:34,977 and well wishers come and say hello. 999 00:46:34,977 --> 00:46:36,853 Someone called for three cheers. 1000 00:46:36,853 --> 00:46:40,089 (crowd cheering) 1001 00:46:41,798 --> 00:46:42,361 To John Major, 1002 00:46:42,361 --> 00:46:44,362 the fact that he's now been chosen by the people, 1003 00:46:44,362 --> 00:46:46,113 albeit a minority of the electorate, 1004 00:46:46,113 --> 00:46:48,658 rather than by the secret committee room votes 1005 00:46:48,658 --> 00:46:50,951 of his fellow MP's is important. 1006 00:46:50,951 --> 00:46:51,704 I can now, 1007 00:46:51,704 --> 00:46:54,287 I can now accept that the country have elected me 1008 00:46:54,287 --> 00:46:56,789 in my own right to be Prime Minister. 1009 00:46:56,789 --> 00:46:58,791 I'm immensely proud of that. 1010 00:46:58,791 --> 00:47:00,210 I shall try and ensure 1011 00:47:00,210 --> 00:47:03,046 that I reach the aspirations of people 1012 00:47:03,046 --> 00:47:04,716 and that I let no one down. 1013 00:47:04,716 --> 00:47:06,967 That is, I'm delighted to have it. 1014 00:47:06,967 --> 00:47:07,720 Thank you. 1015 00:47:07,720 --> 00:47:08,802 [Reporter] And the change in the man was clear 1016 00:47:08,802 --> 00:47:12,829 as he enjoyed his moment of glory, first alone, 1017 00:47:15,500 --> 00:47:17,019 and then with Chris Patten, 1018 00:47:17,019 --> 00:47:18,811 strong personal support for the man 1019 00:47:18,811 --> 00:47:20,188 who helped Mr. Major to victory 1020 00:47:20,188 --> 00:47:22,923 and lost his own seat in the process. 1021 00:47:23,840 --> 00:47:24,817 Later, some very small boys 1022 00:47:24,817 --> 00:47:27,613 with a bit of help from the Metropolitan Police came 1023 00:47:27,613 --> 00:47:29,156 to deliver some presents, 1024 00:47:29,156 --> 00:47:30,907 and there was the Prime Minister again, 1025 00:47:30,907 --> 00:47:34,351 no photo opportunity missed today. 1026 00:47:35,645 --> 00:47:37,415 The contrast with Neil Kinnock's return 1027 00:47:37,415 --> 00:47:39,709 to his home could not have been greater. 1028 00:47:39,709 --> 00:47:41,669 The word is that he and his wife Glenys feel 1029 00:47:41,669 --> 00:47:43,253 that they've taken enough punishment 1030 00:47:43,253 --> 00:47:45,465 and that only massive pressure from the party 1031 00:47:45,465 --> 00:47:47,174 for him to stay on will prevent him 1032 00:47:47,174 --> 00:47:49,092 from calling it a day as leader. 1033 00:47:49,092 --> 00:47:49,886 As to his future today, 1034 00:47:49,886 --> 00:47:52,845 "Long and wonderful" were the only words he had 1035 00:47:52,845 --> 00:47:53,474 to describe it. 1036 00:47:53,474 --> 00:47:55,832 It's going to be long and wonderful. 1037 00:47:56,500 --> 00:47:59,604 [Narrator] Unfortunately, 1992 would not turn out 1038 00:47:59,604 --> 00:48:03,982 to be a good year for monarch nor Prime Minister. 1039 00:48:03,982 --> 00:48:06,859 Hello. Utter turmoil in the money markets. 1040 00:48:06,859 --> 00:48:09,154 That's what dominates the news today. 1041 00:48:09,154 --> 00:48:09,947 For the first time ever, 1042 00:48:09,947 --> 00:48:14,494 the government has put up interest rates twice in one day. 1043 00:48:14,494 --> 00:48:15,868 The new rate is 15%, 1044 00:48:15,868 --> 00:48:18,623 the weapon with which the government will take 1045 00:48:18,623 --> 00:48:20,207 on the currency dealers. 1046 00:48:20,207 --> 00:48:21,542 For investors, it's good news. 1047 00:48:21,542 --> 00:48:24,587 Mortgage holders will fiscally dare breathe. 1048 00:48:24,587 --> 00:48:27,172 The big building societies have said they will try 1049 00:48:27,172 --> 00:48:28,881 to hold off putting up rates 1050 00:48:28,881 --> 00:48:31,803 until after the French vote on Sunday. 1051 00:48:31,803 --> 00:48:34,887 The first rise of 2% came mid-morning, 1052 00:48:34,887 --> 00:48:37,725 but that didn't stop pressure on the pound. 1053 00:48:37,725 --> 00:48:38,477 So three hours later, 1054 00:48:38,477 --> 00:48:43,856 another 3% rise to 15% to take effect from tomorrow. 1055 00:48:43,856 --> 00:48:49,277 [Narrator] September, 1992, the pound sterling crashed. 1056 00:48:49,277 --> 00:48:50,903 Britain was forced to withdraw 1057 00:48:50,903 --> 00:48:54,907 from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, the ERM, 1058 00:48:54,907 --> 00:48:57,910 because it could not prevent the value of the pound 1059 00:48:57,910 --> 00:49:01,938 from falling below the specified lower limit. 1060 00:49:02,858 --> 00:49:05,001 The ERM was created in the 1970s 1061 00:49:05,001 --> 00:49:09,131 to help put European currencies on a level playing field 1062 00:49:09,131 --> 00:49:13,385 in preparation for the economic and monetary union 1063 00:49:13,385 --> 00:49:15,805 and the introduction of the Euro. 1064 00:49:15,805 --> 00:49:19,475 If a country was looking to replace their currency 1065 00:49:19,475 --> 00:49:20,017 with the Euro, 1066 00:49:20,017 --> 00:49:23,936 they must keep the value within the specific range 1067 00:49:23,936 --> 00:49:24,980 for several years. 1068 00:49:24,980 --> 00:49:27,964 (tense music) 1069 00:49:31,051 --> 00:49:35,323 Today has been an extremely difficult and turbulent day. 1070 00:49:35,323 --> 00:49:38,118 Massive speculative flows have continued 1071 00:49:38,118 --> 00:49:39,952 to disrupt the functioning 1072 00:49:39,952 --> 00:49:41,873 of the Exchange Rate Mechanism. 1073 00:49:41,873 --> 00:49:46,711 As chairman of the Council of European Finance Ministers, 1074 00:49:46,711 --> 00:49:47,504 I have called a meeting 1075 00:49:47,504 --> 00:49:51,464 of the monetary committee in Brussels urgently tonight 1076 00:49:51,464 --> 00:49:54,092 to consider how stability can be restored 1077 00:49:54,092 --> 00:49:56,303 to the foreign exchange markets. 1078 00:49:56,303 --> 00:49:59,097 In the meantime, the government has concluded 1079 00:49:59,097 --> 00:50:01,057 that Britain's best interests are served 1080 00:50:01,057 --> 00:50:06,003 by suspending our membership of the Exchange Rate Mechanism. 1081 00:50:06,128 --> 00:50:09,692 [Narrator] Chancellor of the Exchequer, Norman Lamont, 1082 00:50:09,692 --> 00:50:11,984 invested heavily, trying to keep it 1083 00:50:11,984 --> 00:50:14,614 in the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, 1084 00:50:14,614 --> 00:50:20,327 raising interest rates first to 12% and then to 15%, 1085 00:50:20,327 --> 00:50:21,954 but it didn't work. 1086 00:50:21,954 --> 00:50:24,790 Major and Lamont admitted defeat. 1087 00:50:24,790 --> 00:50:29,025 Britain was suspended from its membership of the ERM. 1088 00:50:29,736 --> 00:50:30,796 At extreme cost, 1089 00:50:30,796 --> 00:50:34,006 the Prime Minister faced great political damage, 1090 00:50:34,006 --> 00:50:38,596 even more so because he had recently won re-election 1091 00:50:38,596 --> 00:50:41,455 on a pro-Euro platform. 1092 00:50:42,038 --> 00:50:44,936 [Reporter] A building in chaos for a policy in ruins, 1093 00:50:44,936 --> 00:50:47,980 John Major arrived in Downing Street three hours ago, 1094 00:50:47,980 --> 00:50:49,314 still with the builders there. 1095 00:50:49,314 --> 00:50:51,066 The policy he conceived as Chancellor 1096 00:50:51,066 --> 00:50:54,026 and carried out as Prime Minister in tatters. 1097 00:50:54,026 --> 00:50:56,321 But it's the present Chancellor Norman Lamont 1098 00:50:56,321 --> 00:51:00,809 who may be feeling the political heat most this morning. 1099 00:51:00,809 --> 00:51:02,828 [Reporter] Yesterday, you backed Norman Lamont 1100 00:51:02,828 --> 00:51:05,288 for what you called his speed and courage. 1101 00:51:05,288 --> 00:51:06,707 Shouldn't you know, now though, 1102 00:51:06,707 --> 00:51:09,334 have a fresh start with a fresh Chancellor? 1103 00:51:09,334 --> 00:51:12,044 No, I shouldn't, and I'll tell you why not. 1104 00:51:12,044 --> 00:51:14,590 Norman Lamont was the Chancellor of the Exchequer 1105 00:51:14,590 --> 00:51:17,885 but the policy that Norman Lamont followed was my policy, 1106 00:51:17,885 --> 00:51:20,930 the cabinet's policy, all the cabinet's policy, 1107 00:51:20,930 --> 00:51:23,055 the policy we contested a general election on, 1108 00:51:23,055 --> 00:51:25,350 the policy we won a general election on. 1109 00:51:25,350 --> 00:51:27,435 Norman Lamont has followed that policy. 1110 00:51:27,435 --> 00:51:31,439 He was overwhelmed by events and I do not believe 1111 00:51:31,439 --> 00:51:33,525 because he was overwhelmed by events, 1112 00:51:33,525 --> 00:51:35,568 doing what he promised he would do, 1113 00:51:35,568 --> 00:51:37,822 seeking what he'd promised he would seek, 1114 00:51:37,822 --> 00:51:41,116 upon that basis, you cannot ask a man to leave a job 1115 00:51:41,116 --> 00:51:43,451 he's been honorably doing and doing well. 1116 00:51:43,451 --> 00:51:44,662 (slow contemplative music) 1117 00:51:44,662 --> 00:51:47,539 [Narrator] However, prosperity followed this event 1118 00:51:47,539 --> 00:51:50,960 in the 1990s, improved economic growth, 1119 00:51:50,960 --> 00:51:54,755 lower unemployment and lower inflation. 1120 00:51:54,755 --> 00:51:55,881 It must also be said, 1121 00:51:55,881 --> 00:51:59,259 though Black Wednesday was seen as a real failure 1122 00:51:59,259 --> 00:52:00,093 at the time, 1123 00:52:00,093 --> 00:52:03,095 it did keep the UK out of the Eurozone, 1124 00:52:03,095 --> 00:52:08,001 saving it from far more serious problems later on. 1125 00:52:09,125 --> 00:52:11,438 On reflection of the political disaster 1126 00:52:11,438 --> 00:52:13,315 that was Black Wednesday, 1127 00:52:13,315 --> 00:52:15,107 Major considered resigning 1128 00:52:15,107 --> 00:52:18,611 but was convinced by his sister to stay on. 1129 00:52:18,611 --> 00:52:22,114 Nonetheless, opinion polls of Major took a turn 1130 00:52:22,114 --> 00:52:23,115 for the worse. 1131 00:52:23,115 --> 00:52:24,242 General government approval 1132 00:52:24,242 --> 00:52:28,371 and a sense of economic optimism took a sudden fall. 1133 00:52:28,371 --> 00:52:30,165 (slow contemplative music) 1134 00:52:30,165 --> 00:52:32,793 [Reporter] Determined to try and unite his party 1135 00:52:32,793 --> 00:52:34,127 and silence his critics, 1136 00:52:34,127 --> 00:52:36,964 aides billed this as a speech from the heart. 1137 00:52:36,964 --> 00:52:39,925 John Major reverted to his man of the people approach 1138 00:52:39,925 --> 00:52:42,803 which worked for him at the last election. 1139 00:52:42,803 --> 00:52:45,014 Let me just pass this message 1140 00:52:45,014 --> 00:52:49,184 to everyone who wishes the Conservative Party well, 1141 00:52:49,184 --> 00:52:51,937 no diversions, no squabbles. 1142 00:52:51,937 --> 00:52:55,816 Let's get on with that job of passing back that message 1143 00:52:55,816 --> 00:53:00,528 and then we will have the self-confident expanding country 1144 00:53:00,528 --> 00:53:01,947 that we all want to see. 1145 00:53:01,947 --> 00:53:03,156 (audience clapping) 1146 00:53:03,156 --> 00:53:05,701 [Reporter] Constantly referring to his long term aims, 1147 00:53:05,701 --> 00:53:08,160 he also warned there had to be cuts in public spending. 1148 00:53:08,160 --> 00:53:11,832 We are not prepared to see an ever increasing tax burden 1149 00:53:11,832 --> 00:53:14,501 and nor are we prepared to mortgage our future 1150 00:53:14,501 --> 00:53:16,294 by unrestrained borrowing. 1151 00:53:16,294 --> 00:53:17,295 So, we have to ensure 1152 00:53:17,295 --> 00:53:20,322 that expenditure is properly disciplined 1153 00:53:20,865 --> 00:53:21,926 At present, - And while he insisted 1154 00:53:21,926 --> 00:53:24,136 he was committed to public services like health, 1155 00:53:24,136 --> 00:53:27,139 he said the education system was betraying some children. 1156 00:53:27,139 --> 00:53:30,851 One in four of our children leave secondary education 1157 00:53:30,851 --> 00:53:34,646 and can't read properly, can't write properly, 1158 00:53:34,646 --> 00:53:37,714 and are not competent in arithmetic. 1159 00:53:38,800 --> 00:53:39,652 And what are they going to do? 1160 00:53:39,652 --> 00:53:42,612 They can't all be Prime Minister. 1161 00:53:42,612 --> 00:53:44,697 (audience laughing) 1162 00:53:44,697 --> 00:53:48,224 (audience clapping) 1163 00:53:49,769 --> 00:53:52,688 (tense music) 1164 00:53:53,605 --> 00:53:59,570 1992 is not a year on which I shall look back 1165 00:53:59,821 --> 00:54:02,157 with undiluted pleasure. 1166 00:54:03,407 --> 00:54:07,930 In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, 1167 00:54:07,930 --> 00:54:12,308 it has turned out to be an annus horribilis. 1168 00:54:12,308 --> 00:54:15,335 (solemn music) 1169 00:54:16,252 --> 00:54:17,190 [Narrator] For the Queen, 1170 00:54:17,190 --> 00:54:20,525 the year would later be known as her annus horribilis. 1171 00:54:20,525 --> 00:54:23,154 It was the year in which the rocky marriage 1172 00:54:23,154 --> 00:54:26,238 between Charles and Diana became public knowledge 1173 00:54:26,238 --> 00:54:30,161 with the release of the infamous Andrew Morton book. 1174 00:54:30,161 --> 00:54:34,206 It was also the year Andrew and Fergie would separate, 1175 00:54:34,206 --> 00:54:35,833 Anne and Mark would divorce, 1176 00:54:35,833 --> 00:54:39,711 and her beloved Windsor Castle would set on fire. 1177 00:54:39,711 --> 00:54:42,131 (solemn music) 1178 00:54:42,131 --> 00:54:44,091 There can be no doubt, of course, 1179 00:54:44,091 --> 00:54:45,801 that criticism is good for people 1180 00:54:45,801 --> 00:54:50,579 and institutions that are part of public life. 1181 00:54:51,788 --> 00:54:55,267 No institution, city, monarchy, 1182 00:54:55,267 --> 00:55:00,440 whatever should expect to be free from the scrutiny of those 1183 00:55:00,440 --> 00:55:03,592 who give it their loyalty and support, 1184 00:55:03,927 --> 00:55:06,595 not to mention those who don't, 1185 00:55:07,387 --> 00:55:10,282 but we are all part of the same fabric 1186 00:55:10,282 --> 00:55:12,518 of our national society, 1187 00:55:13,061 --> 00:55:16,832 and that scrutiny by one part of another 1188 00:55:16,832 --> 00:55:18,290 can be just as effective 1189 00:55:18,290 --> 00:55:22,087 if it is made with a touch of gentleness, 1190 00:55:22,087 --> 00:55:24,380 good humor and understanding. 1191 00:55:24,380 --> 00:55:26,217 (solemn music) 1192 00:55:26,217 --> 00:55:28,300 [Narrator] As the year came to an end, 1193 00:55:28,300 --> 00:55:29,301 the responsibility fell 1194 00:55:29,301 --> 00:55:32,304 to Her Majesty's Prime Minister John Major 1195 00:55:32,304 --> 00:55:36,018 to announce Charles and Diana's decision to separate. 1196 00:55:36,018 --> 00:55:39,146 It is announced from Buckingham Palace that, with regret, 1197 00:55:39,146 --> 00:55:43,192 the Prince and Princess of Wales have decided to separate. 1198 00:55:43,192 --> 00:55:46,195 Their Royal Highnesses have no plans to divorce, 1199 00:55:46,195 --> 00:55:49,739 and their constitutional positions are unaffected. 1200 00:55:49,739 --> 00:55:52,034 This decision has been reached amicably, 1201 00:55:52,034 --> 00:55:55,162 and they will both continue to participate fully 1202 00:55:55,162 --> 00:55:57,122 in the upbringing of their children. 1203 00:55:57,122 --> 00:55:59,124 [Narrator] In a year that faced turmoil 1204 00:55:59,124 --> 00:56:01,376 for both Prime Minister and Queen, 1205 00:56:01,376 --> 00:56:04,462 those private and confidential conversations 1206 00:56:04,462 --> 00:56:08,364 must have been very valuable to each of them. 1207 00:56:12,744 --> 00:56:15,224 For both monarch and Prime Minister, 1208 00:56:15,224 --> 00:56:17,935 the decade was not an easy one. 1209 00:56:17,935 --> 00:56:19,351 In fact, it is well known 1210 00:56:19,351 --> 00:56:23,107 to be one of the Queen's most difficult decades. 1211 00:56:23,107 --> 00:56:24,356 But the special relationship 1212 00:56:24,356 --> 00:56:26,359 between the Constitutional Monarch 1213 00:56:26,359 --> 00:56:29,071 and Prime Minister was one valued 1214 00:56:29,071 --> 00:56:32,388 to a great extent by both parties. 1215 00:56:33,016 --> 00:56:35,035 As ever, the Prime Minister's audience 1216 00:56:35,035 --> 00:56:38,746 with the monarch is kept absolutely confidential. 1217 00:56:38,746 --> 00:56:41,083 They meet once a week, every week, 1218 00:56:41,083 --> 00:56:44,253 and there is no record kept of anything said 1219 00:56:44,253 --> 00:56:45,587 during these meetings. 1220 00:56:45,587 --> 00:56:48,007 It is just the Queen and the Prime Minister 1221 00:56:48,007 --> 00:56:52,136 with no witnesses, no recordings or minutes taken. 1222 00:56:52,136 --> 00:56:56,307 Major has often spoke about these audiences with the Queen, 1223 00:56:56,307 --> 00:56:59,143 referencing how he and prime ministers before 1224 00:56:59,143 --> 00:57:04,630 and after him considered them to be cathartic experiences. 1225 00:57:05,505 --> 00:57:06,399 I mean, in those meetings, 1226 00:57:06,399 --> 00:57:09,527 one small anecdote was that, more often than not, 1227 00:57:09,527 --> 00:57:10,988 you did have a gallery audience, 1228 00:57:10,988 --> 00:57:14,199 but the gallery audience was the corgis, 1229 00:57:14,199 --> 00:57:15,035 and they would sit there, 1230 00:57:15,035 --> 00:57:18,786 and mostly they were well behaved, but not invariably. 1231 00:57:18,786 --> 00:57:19,538 And from time to time, 1232 00:57:19,538 --> 00:57:22,665 the Queen would speak very sharply to one of the corgis, 1233 00:57:22,665 --> 00:57:24,876 all of which she knew by name. 1234 00:57:24,876 --> 00:57:25,586 If the corgi came round 1235 00:57:25,586 --> 00:57:28,297 and was sort of indicating an interest 1236 00:57:28,297 --> 00:57:29,090 in jumping up on your lap 1237 00:57:29,090 --> 00:57:31,758 or deciding to make a meal of your toe, 1238 00:57:31,758 --> 00:57:34,761 the Queen would gently discipline the dog 1239 00:57:34,761 --> 00:57:35,803 and it would be moved away. 1240 00:57:35,803 --> 00:57:39,557 So, one saw that as you might in any home in the country. 1241 00:57:39,557 --> 00:57:43,686 The Queen, beyond doubt, is the best known woman 1242 00:57:43,686 --> 00:57:44,438 in the world, 1243 00:57:44,438 --> 00:57:47,066 probably the most loved woman in the world, 1244 00:57:47,066 --> 00:57:48,441 I would think as well. 1245 00:57:48,441 --> 00:57:54,614 And then suddenly, behind that enormous, enormous facade 1246 00:57:54,614 --> 00:57:57,449 that exists because of her position, 1247 00:57:57,449 --> 00:58:02,813 you see the private woman who lurks behind it 1248 00:58:03,022 --> 00:58:05,376 and that's rather a lovely thing to see. 1249 00:58:05,376 --> 00:58:06,918 (gentle music) 1250 00:58:06,918 --> 00:58:08,420 [Narrator] Major was the first 1251 00:58:08,420 --> 00:58:10,462 of Her Majesty's prime ministers 1252 00:58:10,462 --> 00:58:12,632 to be younger than the Queen. 1253 00:58:12,632 --> 00:58:15,467 No doubt her experience and extensive knowledge 1254 00:58:15,467 --> 00:58:19,181 of the governments that preceded Major's would've been 1255 00:58:19,181 --> 00:58:20,890 of great value to him. 1256 00:58:20,890 --> 00:58:24,476 Indeed, when it came to issues with foreign affairs, 1257 00:58:24,476 --> 00:58:26,478 Major would merely mention the name 1258 00:58:26,478 --> 00:58:28,856 of a state official or foreign leader, 1259 00:58:28,856 --> 00:58:31,193 and the Queen would respond immediately 1260 00:58:31,193 --> 00:58:33,445 with helpful hints and suggestions, 1261 00:58:33,445 --> 00:58:38,158 often knowing them personally or their parents and families. 1262 00:58:38,158 --> 00:58:39,784 Well, any Prime Minister who didn't listen 1263 00:58:39,784 --> 00:58:46,149 to the Queen's views was a very foolish man or woman indeed 1264 00:58:46,274 --> 00:58:48,710 because she had an historic memory, 1265 00:58:48,710 --> 00:58:51,422 longer than any civil service advisor, 1266 00:58:51,422 --> 00:58:54,507 and she had a great understanding of how people lived 1267 00:58:54,507 --> 00:58:57,177 and was very interesting, interested, 1268 00:58:57,177 --> 00:58:59,221 in what government policy meant 1269 00:58:59,221 --> 00:59:03,183 for the lives of people in different parts of the country. 1270 00:59:03,183 --> 00:59:05,102 That was something about which she was concerned 1271 00:59:05,102 --> 00:59:07,519 and about which she would ask questions. 1272 00:59:07,519 --> 00:59:11,523 So, you got a very clear idea 1273 00:59:11,523 --> 00:59:15,487 from an intelligent, well informed person 1274 00:59:15,487 --> 00:59:18,530 about how some of the policies might be received 1275 00:59:18,530 --> 00:59:21,201 and what their implications might be. 1276 00:59:21,201 --> 00:59:21,994 And that, to politicians, 1277 00:59:21,994 --> 00:59:24,536 who can often be locked in the narrow world 1278 00:59:24,536 --> 00:59:25,498 of Westminster is easy. 1279 00:59:25,498 --> 00:59:29,209 It's very easy to find yourself blocked off from opinion 1280 00:59:29,209 --> 00:59:31,669 that once you would've been familiar with 1281 00:59:31,669 --> 00:59:33,963 and the Queen was one outlet, 1282 00:59:33,963 --> 00:59:38,050 where sometimes something was said that brought you back 1283 00:59:38,050 --> 00:59:41,263 to realize exactly what something may mean. 1284 00:59:41,263 --> 00:59:43,307 And I don't think there is a single Prime Minister 1285 00:59:43,307 --> 00:59:46,101 who has worked with her who wouldn't say the same thing. 1286 00:59:46,101 --> 00:59:48,145 (gentle music) 1287 00:59:48,145 --> 00:59:49,062 [Narrator] It is reported that 1288 00:59:49,062 --> 00:59:51,563 when Major took on the role of Prime Minister, 1289 00:59:51,563 --> 00:59:53,733 it was a relief to the Queen. 1290 00:59:53,733 --> 00:59:56,611 He was said to be close to the royal family 1291 00:59:56,611 --> 00:59:59,571 and he and the Queen benefited from an easy 1292 00:59:59,571 --> 01:00:01,765 and relaxed relationship. 1293 01:00:03,351 --> 01:00:04,576 Major's close relationship 1294 01:00:04,576 --> 01:00:07,579 with the royal family was evidenced later on. 1295 01:00:07,579 --> 01:00:09,957 When he was no longer Prime Minister, 1296 01:00:09,957 --> 01:00:13,420 he became a special guardian to William and Harry 1297 01:00:13,420 --> 01:00:15,255 after the death of their mother, 1298 01:00:15,255 --> 01:00:17,549 Diana Princess of Wales. 1299 01:00:17,549 --> 01:00:20,592 Major went on to be the only politician invited 1300 01:00:20,592 --> 01:00:21,677 to Prince Harry's wedding, 1301 01:00:21,677 --> 01:00:26,622 a symbol of the close and trusting friendship that remained. 1302 01:00:27,623 --> 01:00:31,979 After Her Majesty's death in September, 2022, 1303 01:00:31,979 --> 01:00:33,605 John Major was quick to comment 1304 01:00:33,605 --> 01:00:37,152 on the lifelong service of an impeccable monarch. 1305 01:00:37,152 --> 01:00:40,612 It is clear that John Major had a profound respect 1306 01:00:40,612 --> 01:00:43,391 and admiration for the Queen. 1307 01:00:43,974 --> 01:00:46,618 Well, I was immensely saddened when I heard it. 1308 01:00:46,618 --> 01:00:48,996 It's news nobody wished to hear. 1309 01:00:48,996 --> 01:00:50,832 The Queen has been such a permanence 1310 01:00:50,832 --> 01:00:52,584 in our lives for so long. 1311 01:00:52,584 --> 01:00:55,002 You simply expected her to go on forever, 1312 01:00:55,002 --> 01:00:58,047 and it's a great shock that suddenly she has gone. 1313 01:00:58,047 --> 01:01:00,300 It's like a great oak has fallen, 1314 01:01:00,300 --> 01:01:02,261 and it will be a day that people will remember 1315 01:01:02,261 --> 01:01:04,555 in history for a very long time. 1316 01:01:04,555 --> 01:01:05,763 And the great gifts that Queen has had is, 1317 01:01:05,763 --> 01:01:10,519 not only has she been the monarch, the symbol of royalty, 1318 01:01:10,519 --> 01:01:13,020 but because of the manner in which she has lived, 1319 01:01:13,020 --> 01:01:14,314 because of her empathy, 1320 01:01:14,314 --> 01:01:17,317 she is almost as though she's a supernumerary member 1321 01:01:17,317 --> 01:01:18,650 of every family in the country. 1322 01:01:18,650 --> 01:01:23,655 So, I think her loss will be personally felt by people. 1323 01:01:23,655 --> 01:01:25,032 Not just felt, "Oh, it is sad 1324 01:01:25,032 --> 01:01:26,577 that we have lost a great figure," 1325 01:01:26,577 --> 01:01:29,661 but I think there will be personal degrees of sadness 1326 01:01:29,661 --> 01:01:34,083 and a great many tears will be shed over the next few days. 1327 01:01:34,083 --> 01:01:36,668 [Reporter] So, after calling in the lobby correspondence 1328 01:01:36,668 --> 01:01:39,046 to the Downing Street Garden for half past four, 1329 01:01:39,046 --> 01:01:41,674 with the word growing that this was something big, 1330 01:01:41,674 --> 01:01:44,844 Mr. Major on the stroke of five o'clock, 1331 01:01:44,844 --> 01:01:47,246 began to explain his decision. 1332 01:01:47,496 --> 01:01:51,809 I've now been Prime Minister for near nearly five years. 1333 01:01:51,809 --> 01:01:54,937 In that time, we've achieved a great deal, 1334 01:01:54,937 --> 01:01:56,356 but for the last three years, 1335 01:01:56,356 --> 01:02:01,134 I've been opposed by a small minority in our party. 1336 01:02:01,717 --> 01:02:02,572 During those three years, 1337 01:02:02,572 --> 01:02:06,283 there have been repeated threats of a leadership election. 1338 01:02:06,283 --> 01:02:10,077 In each year, they turned out to be phony threats. 1339 01:02:10,077 --> 01:02:14,814 Now, the same thing again is happening in 1995. 1340 01:02:15,148 --> 01:02:16,792 I believe it's in no one's interest 1341 01:02:16,792 --> 01:02:20,755 that this continues right through until November. 1342 01:02:20,755 --> 01:02:22,714 It undermines the government, 1343 01:02:22,714 --> 01:02:25,742 and it damages the Conservative Party. 1344 01:02:26,201 --> 01:02:26,845 I am not prepared 1345 01:02:26,845 --> 01:02:29,721 to see the party I care for laid out 1346 01:02:29,721 --> 01:02:32,476 on the rack like this for any longer. 1347 01:02:32,476 --> 01:02:34,226 [Reporter] With Scottish Secretary Ian Lang 1348 01:02:34,226 --> 01:02:36,145 and Transport Secretary Brian Mawhinney 1349 01:02:36,145 --> 01:02:38,482 already on the campaign team, watching him, 1350 01:02:38,482 --> 01:02:42,193 Mr. Major talk of the forthcoming election. 1351 01:02:42,193 --> 01:02:42,736 If I win, 1352 01:02:42,736 --> 01:02:46,738 I shall continue as Prime Minister and lead the party 1353 01:02:46,738 --> 01:02:50,535 into and through the next general election. 1354 01:02:50,535 --> 01:02:54,038 Should I be defeated, which I do not expect, 1355 01:02:54,038 --> 01:02:56,207 I shall resign as Prime Minister 1356 01:02:56,207 --> 01:02:59,985 and offer my successor my full support. 1357 01:03:00,528 --> 01:03:01,754 [Narrator] There were great divides 1358 01:03:01,754 --> 01:03:04,799 in the party over the issues with Europe. 1359 01:03:04,799 --> 01:03:06,593 Questions were also being raised 1360 01:03:06,593 --> 01:03:08,970 as to whether Major could unite the party 1361 01:03:08,970 --> 01:03:11,830 and continue to lead effectively. 1362 01:03:12,205 --> 01:03:14,766 Majors was challenged for leadership only 1363 01:03:14,766 --> 01:03:20,339 by John Redwood MP, which came as a surprise to many. 1364 01:03:20,880 --> 01:03:25,236 Norman Lamont became a significant member of Redwood's team. 1365 01:03:25,236 --> 01:03:30,199 Redwood represented the Euro-skeptic side of the party, 1366 01:03:30,199 --> 01:03:32,784 garnering a fair amount of support. 1367 01:03:32,784 --> 01:03:35,204 However, Major was victorious, 1368 01:03:35,204 --> 01:03:39,791 securing 218 votes with 66%. 1369 01:03:39,791 --> 01:03:41,461 In his cabinet reshuffle, 1370 01:03:41,461 --> 01:03:45,030 Redwood was not reappointed to cabinet. 1371 01:03:45,821 --> 01:03:47,842 Though Major won the leadership, 1372 01:03:47,842 --> 01:03:50,802 the conservative majority was rapidly falling. 1373 01:03:50,802 --> 01:03:54,890 By 1997, the conservatives were without a majority 1374 01:03:54,890 --> 01:03:56,601 in the House of Commons. 1375 01:03:56,601 --> 01:03:59,228 Major's government was totally divided 1376 01:03:59,228 --> 01:04:02,189 and riddled by allegations of sleaze, 1377 01:04:02,189 --> 01:04:04,840 exacerbated by the press. 1378 01:04:05,841 --> 01:04:07,696 Major waited as long as possible 1379 01:04:07,696 --> 01:04:09,821 before calling a general election, 1380 01:04:09,821 --> 01:04:14,035 which would finally happen on 1st May, 1997. 1381 01:04:14,035 --> 01:04:16,747 The next election will offer us the chance 1382 01:04:16,747 --> 01:04:17,829 to change our country, 1383 01:04:17,829 --> 01:04:21,125 not just to promise change, but to achieve it. 1384 01:04:21,125 --> 01:04:24,629 The historic goal of another labor government, 1385 01:04:24,629 --> 01:04:26,506 our party, new labor, 1386 01:04:26,506 --> 01:04:28,174 our mission, new Britain, 1387 01:04:28,174 --> 01:04:29,134 new labor, new Britain. 1388 01:04:29,134 --> 01:04:35,080 (audience clapping) (contemplative music) 1389 01:04:36,081 --> 01:04:38,309 [Narrator] In the lead up to the election, 1390 01:04:38,309 --> 01:04:40,852 on a live Channel 4 interview, 1391 01:04:40,852 --> 01:04:43,022 Blair draws his lines in the sand 1392 01:04:43,022 --> 01:04:45,650 with his definition of new labor 1393 01:04:45,650 --> 01:04:48,612 and a radical and reformed Labour Party. 1394 01:04:48,612 --> 01:04:51,531 What does your concept of radical really involve? 1395 01:04:51,531 --> 01:04:54,701 It involves recognizing that the basic principles 1396 01:04:54,701 --> 01:04:57,869 of the Labour Party, which are about justice and progress, 1397 01:04:57,869 --> 01:05:00,331 that's what the Labour Party should be about, 1398 01:05:00,331 --> 01:05:01,916 that those principles should be applied 1399 01:05:01,916 --> 01:05:03,375 in a different way to today's world. 1400 01:05:03,375 --> 01:05:06,878 Back in 1945, when Clem Attlee and his government came in, 1401 01:05:06,878 --> 01:05:07,879 they were a radical government 1402 01:05:07,879 --> 01:05:09,173 in the sense that the way they thought 1403 01:05:09,173 --> 01:05:10,925 to do it was to build up the state, 1404 01:05:10,925 --> 01:05:12,636 nationalization and so on. 1405 01:05:12,636 --> 01:05:14,136 That's not the way for today's world. 1406 01:05:14,136 --> 01:05:18,099 The way for today's world is education, skills, technology, 1407 01:05:18,099 --> 01:05:19,476 developing small businesses, 1408 01:05:19,476 --> 01:05:22,311 encouraging design and invention in Britain. 1409 01:05:22,311 --> 01:05:23,855 It's a different role for government. 1410 01:05:23,855 --> 01:05:26,357 It's a different relationship with industry, 1411 01:05:26,357 --> 01:05:27,818 and it's a different attitude 1412 01:05:27,818 --> 01:05:28,900 to the things that really matter. 1413 01:05:28,900 --> 01:05:30,027 [Narrator] Tony Blair later claims 1414 01:05:30,027 --> 01:05:34,533 to have been most surprised when, on 1st May, 1997, 1415 01:05:34,533 --> 01:05:39,036 he was elected Britain's youngest Prime Minister since 1812, 1416 01:05:39,036 --> 01:05:44,940 ending 18 years of conservative rule with a majority of 179. 1417 01:05:47,820 --> 01:05:49,088 [Reporter] He's coming out now 1418 01:05:49,088 --> 01:05:53,950 and will address the nation through those microphones. 1419 01:05:56,829 --> 01:05:57,889 Good morning. 1420 01:05:57,889 --> 01:06:00,057 I said most of what I wish to say 1421 01:06:00,057 --> 01:06:02,934 when I had the opportunity of speaking last evening, 1422 01:06:02,934 --> 01:06:05,187 but perhaps there are just one or two things 1423 01:06:05,187 --> 01:06:08,799 that it would be appropriate to add this morning. 1424 01:06:08,964 --> 01:06:11,486 It has been an immense privilege 1425 01:06:11,486 --> 01:06:14,363 to serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1426 01:06:14,363 --> 01:06:16,908 over the last six and a half years. 1427 01:06:16,908 --> 01:06:19,994 It's a privilege that comes to very few people, 1428 01:06:19,994 --> 01:06:23,330 and it's a very precious privilege indeed. 1429 01:06:23,330 --> 01:06:26,877 I hope as I leave Downing Street this morning 1430 01:06:26,877 --> 01:06:28,960 that I can say with some accuracy 1431 01:06:28,960 --> 01:06:31,130 that the country is in far better shape 1432 01:06:31,130 --> 01:06:34,258 than it was when I entered Downing Street. 1433 01:06:34,258 --> 01:06:35,384 The economy is booming. 1434 01:06:35,384 --> 01:06:39,971 Interest rates low, inflation low, unemployment falling. 1435 01:06:39,971 --> 01:06:41,973 The growth pattern is well set. 1436 01:06:41,973 --> 01:06:43,602 The health service is expanding. 1437 01:06:43,602 --> 01:06:45,977 The education service is improving, 1438 01:06:45,977 --> 01:06:48,565 and the crime statistics are falling. 1439 01:06:48,565 --> 01:06:51,693 All of those, I think, are benevolent improvements 1440 01:06:51,693 --> 01:06:55,261 in the interests of all the people of this country. 1441 01:06:55,511 --> 01:06:57,989 I hope, if you will forgive me, 1442 01:06:57,989 --> 01:07:00,785 I will say no more this morning. 1443 01:07:00,785 --> 01:07:01,494 I believe, as you know, 1444 01:07:01,494 --> 01:07:03,622 I have an appointment with Her Majesty the Queen 1445 01:07:03,622 --> 01:07:06,207 in a few moments to tender my resignation, 1446 01:07:06,207 --> 01:07:10,002 so that the new government may then be formally appointed. 1447 01:07:10,002 --> 01:07:14,089 I propose to see Her Majesty in just a few moments. 1448 01:07:14,089 --> 01:07:17,008 The second reason I'll say no more now is that, 1449 01:07:17,008 --> 01:07:20,095 after that, I hope that Norma and I will be able, 1450 01:07:20,095 --> 01:07:24,015 with the children, to get to the oval in time for lunch 1451 01:07:24,015 --> 01:07:26,017 and for some cricket this afternoon. 1452 01:07:26,017 --> 01:07:27,979 Thank you all very much indeed. 1453 01:07:27,979 --> 01:07:28,688 Thank you. 1454 01:07:28,688 --> 01:07:29,649 (chiming music) 1455 01:07:29,649 --> 01:07:32,483 [Narrator] One can only imagine the conversation 1456 01:07:32,483 --> 01:07:33,318 at the final meeting 1457 01:07:33,318 --> 01:07:36,027 when John Major went to Buckingham Palace 1458 01:07:36,027 --> 01:07:39,180 to offer his resignation to the Queen. 1459 01:07:39,723 --> 01:07:41,242 It is almost inevitable 1460 01:07:41,242 --> 01:07:43,244 that they will have had differing views 1461 01:07:43,244 --> 01:07:47,958 on a number of issues over his nearly seven years in office. 1462 01:07:47,958 --> 01:07:52,294 But it is widely acknowledged that they had enormous respect 1463 01:07:52,294 --> 01:07:53,838 for each other in their roles, 1464 01:07:53,838 --> 01:07:58,133 coupled with a good degree of personal affection and regard. 1465 01:07:58,133 --> 01:07:59,928 (slow music) 1466 01:07:59,928 --> 01:08:01,262 [Reporter] After seven years in office 1467 01:08:01,262 --> 01:08:03,723 and so many audiences with the Queen, 1468 01:08:03,723 --> 01:08:05,056 this was to be the last. 1469 01:08:05,056 --> 01:08:08,143 Mr. Major tendering his resignation as Prime Minister, 1470 01:08:08,143 --> 01:08:09,896 the final formal termination 1471 01:08:09,896 --> 01:08:13,064 of 18 years of conservative government. 1472 01:08:13,064 --> 01:08:14,400 John Major, with his fellow survivors, 1473 01:08:14,400 --> 01:08:19,763 about to experience for the first time life in opposition. 1474 01:08:22,097 --> 01:08:25,076 Tony Blair, meanwhile, was still at his North London home, 1475 01:08:25,076 --> 01:08:28,080 basking in the glow of his astonishing political triumph 1476 01:08:28,080 --> 01:08:31,166 and the applause of supporters camped out in the street. 1477 01:08:31,166 --> 01:08:33,085 Soon his life would change forever. 1478 01:08:33,085 --> 01:08:34,211 With a wave to the children, 1479 01:08:34,211 --> 01:08:36,087 he was off, but not for long. 1480 01:08:36,087 --> 01:08:39,009 Within seconds, he'd stop the car for a walkabout 1481 01:08:39,009 --> 01:08:41,928 to the obvious surprise of the security team 1482 01:08:41,928 --> 01:08:42,929 now guarding him. 1483 01:08:42,929 --> 01:08:44,263 (tense music) 1484 01:08:44,263 --> 01:08:48,893 [Narrator] After Major left office in April, 2005, 1485 01:08:48,893 --> 01:08:49,602 the Queen honored him 1486 01:08:49,602 --> 01:08:52,856 with the Companion of the Order of the Garter, 1487 01:08:52,856 --> 01:08:55,106 a personal gift from the Queen limited 1488 01:08:55,106 --> 01:08:58,109 to only 24 people at one time, 1489 01:08:58,109 --> 01:09:02,513 a display of her deep gratitude for his service. 1490 01:09:03,891 --> 01:09:07,328 Tonight, perhaps to look back, 1491 01:09:07,328 --> 01:09:11,206 I hope with some pride at the changes that we have made 1492 01:09:11,206 --> 01:09:13,668 to our country in the last 18 years. 1493 01:09:13,668 --> 01:09:16,904 (crowd clapping) 1494 01:09:20,198 --> 01:09:22,634 [Narrator] At the time of his premiership, 1495 01:09:22,634 --> 01:09:24,012 John Major was not known 1496 01:09:24,012 --> 01:09:27,138 to be a particularly successful Prime Minister, 1497 01:09:27,138 --> 01:09:31,226 nor a natural leader, as he faced heavy criticism. 1498 01:09:31,226 --> 01:09:35,146 But that may not be an entirely fair assessment. 1499 01:09:35,146 --> 01:09:38,818 Major's premiership will surely be looked on more kindly 1500 01:09:38,818 --> 01:09:40,151 in the history books. 1501 01:09:40,151 --> 01:09:43,782 Entering his premiership after such a formidable leader 1502 01:09:43,782 --> 01:09:45,156 as Margaret Thatcher, 1503 01:09:45,156 --> 01:09:48,494 he had a tremendous legacy to live up to. 1504 01:09:48,494 --> 01:09:50,914 But by the time he handed over the reigns 1505 01:09:50,914 --> 01:09:53,207 to labor leader Tony Blair, 1506 01:09:53,207 --> 01:09:55,209 the country's economy was growing 1507 01:09:55,209 --> 01:09:57,586 for the first time in many years. 1508 01:09:57,586 --> 01:10:03,324 I first entered Parliament 18 years ago tomorrow, I think. 1509 01:10:03,909 --> 01:10:06,137 And the difference in our country 1510 01:10:06,137 --> 01:10:09,099 is a difference you could not express 1511 01:10:09,099 --> 01:10:13,352 unless you remembered what it was like in May of 1979 1512 01:10:13,352 --> 01:10:15,646 when the conservatives first came to government. 1513 01:10:15,646 --> 01:10:19,109 Many people who voted in this general election 1514 01:10:19,109 --> 01:10:20,401 perhaps never knew that, 1515 01:10:20,401 --> 01:10:22,946 for they have never known anything in their adult lives 1516 01:10:22,946 --> 01:10:25,196 without conservative government, 1517 01:10:25,196 --> 01:10:26,281 and others, perhaps, 1518 01:10:26,281 --> 01:10:29,535 have not remembered precisely what it was like. 1519 01:10:29,535 --> 01:10:31,955 Well, I said a moment ago 1520 01:10:31,955 --> 01:10:34,124 that this party had served longer in government 1521 01:10:34,124 --> 01:10:34,834 than any other. 1522 01:10:34,834 --> 01:10:37,584 We've suffered great defeats before. 1523 01:10:37,584 --> 01:10:39,838 We have always come back. 1524 01:10:39,838 --> 01:10:42,841 [Narrator] Although it had not been an easy decade 1525 01:10:42,841 --> 01:10:44,215 for the Prime Minister, 1526 01:10:44,215 --> 01:10:46,217 Major managed to leave the country 1527 01:10:46,217 --> 01:10:49,346 in a better state than how he had found it. 1528 01:10:49,346 --> 01:10:51,766 Surely this is the hope and ambition 1529 01:10:51,766 --> 01:10:56,211 of every Prime Minister of Her Majesty's government. 1530 01:10:56,920 --> 01:10:59,273 He is a Prime Minister that will be remembered 1531 01:10:59,273 --> 01:11:03,862 for his mild mannered style and sincere charm. 1532 01:11:03,862 --> 01:11:07,364 Major was an honorable and decent Prime Minister 1533 01:11:07,364 --> 01:11:10,242 who served Britain with a simple intention 1534 01:11:10,242 --> 01:11:12,936 of making it great once more. 1535 01:11:13,561 --> 01:11:14,246 To the Queen, 1536 01:11:14,246 --> 01:11:18,417 it is obvious the relationship was one of trust, of support, 1537 01:11:18,417 --> 01:11:20,359 and of admiration. 1538 01:11:21,153 --> 01:11:22,839 For Her Majesty the Queen, 1539 01:11:22,839 --> 01:11:27,886 Sir John Major will always be her ninth Prime Minister. 1540 01:11:27,886 --> 01:11:30,871 (gentle music)