HAROLD WILSON: British Prime Minister; 1964 - 70 and 1974 - 76.

Summary

The documentary assesses Harold Wilson’s two premierships, portraying him as an exceptionally successful Labour leader and a skilled political operator, but one whose instinct to preserve party unity often constrained his government. It follows his rise from a lower-middle-class Yorkshire childhood through Oxford, wartime civil service and early ministerial office.

Rise to power

Wilson became Labour leader after Hugh Gaitskell’s death in 1963. His emphasis on science, technology and modernisation gave Labour a fresh theme, and his informal campaigning style helped the party win a narrow victory in 1964. In 1966, he called an election and secured a large majority.

First premiership

His first government’s ambitions were repeatedly checked by economic difficulties. The documentary highlights Wilson’s refusal to consider devaluation in 1966, despite pressure from some colleagues, and the eventual 1967 devaluation of sterling, which damaged his standing.

It also reviews difficult foreign-policy episodes: the failure to resolve Rhodesia’s unilateral declaration of independence, pressure over the Vietnam War and the withdrawal from east of Suez. Wilson’s approach to the United States, especially Lyndon Johnson, is presented as shaped by Britain’s economic dependence and his hopes of retaining a major world role.

At home, the government’s plans for economic growth faltered. Wilson backed Barbara Castle’s proposed trade-union reforms, In Place of Strife, but could not secure their adoption. Labour lost the 1970 election to Edward Heath.

Return to office

In opposition, Wilson faced a party divided over Europe, the unions and a shift to the left. Heath’s confrontation with the miners and the resulting three-day week led to the February 1974 election. The result was inconclusive, but Wilson returned to office after Heath failed to form a government.

During his second premiership, Wilson called a 1975 referendum on Europe; voters chose to remain in the European Community. His government also sought to curb inflation through a pay policy described as a “social contract” with the unions.

In 1976, to the surprise of colleagues, Wilson resigned. The controversial “Lavender List” of resignation honours then raised questions about his judgment and the influence of close associates.

Later years and legacy

The documentary considers later claims that elements within MI5 had discussed a coup against Wilson, while stressing the extraordinary and paranoid atmosphere described by former security-service officer Peter Wright. In retirement, Wilson’s memory declined, though he retained an interest in education and the Open University, which he had helped establish.

Wilson’s legacy is presented as mixed. Admirers credit him with making Labour electable, modernising political culture and helping reshape Britain’s relations with Europe and the Commonwealth. Critics argue that he lacked a sustained national vision, and that his emphasis on managing Labour’s internal divisions left damaging problems for later leaders.

One contributor argues that, had Wilson remained leader, Labour might not have lost in 1979. The programme leaves that claim as a matter of opinion.

Presenter and contributors

Presenter: Anthony Howard

Identifiable contributors: Barbara Castle; Roy Jenkins. Other interviewees are not identified by name in the subtitles.