Press Release – Prime Minister’s Comments on Trade and Industry Policy – 26 March 1992

Below is the text of the Conservative Party Press Release on Mr Major’s comments on trade and industry policy. It was issued on Thursday 26th March 1992, reference 614/92.

LABOUR IN, EVERYBODY OUT

“Labour in, everybody out. For years that was the refrain that wrecked British industry”, the Rt Hon John Major, Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party, told a press conference at Conservative Central Office, today.

But last year Britain achieved a record level of industrial peace. Fewer days were lost through strikes than at any time since records began a century ago.

That is a triumph for good sense in industry – and for the reforming work of a Conservative Government.

It has brought this country huge dividends: inward investment, higher productivity and higher wages – and a new reputation for reliability.

‘Made in Britain’ is a proud label again – not a warning that the spare parts are rotting on the dockside.

Strife and disruption used to dominate our national life. Flying pickets. Wildcat strikes. Power cuts. Intimidation. Confrontation. Lost orders. Cancelled deliveries. Roaring inflation.

Those were the features of a country out of the control of its Labour government – and under the control of its unions.

The threat, I am afraid, is still there. Union militants are hoping – desperately – for a Labour government.

Then organised disruption would be back. Labour are already committed to undo some of our key reforms. Secondary pickets would be back on our streets.

The truth is, the unions still have a stranglehold on the Labour party.

They are keeping pretty quiet in this election. But Kenneth Clarke is going to remind you how they pull the strings – and Michael Howard is going to spell out the consequences.”