ABSTRACT
When he was elected, Edward Heath seemed to represent a break with the post-war consensus. Meeting at Selsdon Park, Croydon in January 1970, his shadow cabinet appeared to have lurched to the Right. This was the image conveyed at the election. In his speech, Heath made similar promises. The government hoped that legislation relating to trade unions would play an important part in helping the economy. Accordingly, it introduced the Industrial Relations Act, 1971. Industrial relations deteriorated throughout the Heath period and this was partly due to the Act. Many on the Labour side, and some Conservatives like Powell, called for a referendum. Heath and Wilson rejected the idea as against British traditions and claiming it was a device favoured by continental dictators. Britain signed for European Economic Community entry on January 1972. Also signing the treaty of accession were Ireland, Denmark and Norway.
