Strike: When Britain Went to War (2003)

Plot Summary

Twenty years ago, Britain went to war - with itself. In March 1984, Mrs Thatcher's government announced plans to close 20 coal mines, with the loss of 20,000 jobs. The Miners' leader, Arthur Scargill, led his workers out on strike. What followed was the ultimate left verses right showdown, a colossal battle for the political heart of a nation, with an epoch-making, era-defining moment of social significance unparalleled since World War II. This feature length documentary tells the story of the year-long struggle that split friends, families and the country apart, led to shocking scenes of violence, and made many fear that George Orwell's nightmare vision of a police state was becoming a reality. After this war, Britain would never be the same again.

Full Cast & Characters

Sarah Lancashire

Self - Narrator(voice)

Arthur Scargill

Self (archive footage)

Margaret Thatcher

Tim Bell

Tony Benn

Boris Johnson

Self - Student, Oxford, 1984

Neil Kinnock

Self - Labour Leader, 1984

Kelvin MacKenzie

Self - Editor, The Sun, 1984

Matthew Parris

Self - Conservative, 1984

Alexei Sayle

Midge Ure

Phil Woolas

Self - President, National Union of Students, 1984

Director & Crew

Where to Watch Strike: When Britain Went to War Online

Frequently Asked Questions