New Prospects for Britain

Archive Report

Coming Decision for Electorate

Callaghan's Scramble to Stay in Power

Although most of the British electorate believe their country has passed through the eye of the economic storm of 1974–77, the fate of Prime Minister James Callaghan's Labor government seems to rest on an economic question now in the forefront of British politics. It is whether he can continue to keep wage increases — and inflation — under control in the face of opposing pressure from the trade unions and his own party's left wing.

By adroit political maneuvering, Callaghan can probably stave off attempts to force a national election before next spring. By law the prime minister must call an election by October 1979, or five years after the last one, and he will naturally try ...

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