The+power+of+the+Red+Wedge+in+Thatcher's+Britain;+was+there+any?

media type="youtube" key="KW1SIeI33sI" height="344" width="425" Video Version The Wedge believed that they could change what they saw as the problems in Britain in the most constructive form possible, music. This definitely was not the first time music had been involved in politics, most importantly being the Rock Against Racism campaign in London the previous decade, but is music the ultimate weapon? Did they manage to change minds?
 * The power of the Red Wedge in Thatcher’s Britain, Was There Any? **
 * An Introduction to the Wedge **

The Red Wedge was an organization of musicians set up in 1985 by Billy Bragg and the labour party in order to open minds of the younger generation and expose a world of politics through an accessible form for them. Jobs For Youth was almost a prototype set up by Billy Bragg. Their main issue was the conservative party, led by Margaret Thatcher, in power of Britain. Many protested during her reign, but why was she chosen as leader three elections in a row?
 * Aims and Activity **

Billy Bragg has always been eager in an aim to tackle issues with young people and persuade social reform. He was impressive with his aggression, disregard to musical ability and direct approach in his lyrics, thus getting his message across easily.
 * The Culprits of the Wedge **

Paul Weller believed in change not as strongly as Bragg, but found that the Red Wedge was a suitable output for his political statements and desires outside of his then-current group, The Jam.

During the Wedge’s activity magazines were published and the organization of major concerts and tours were held, the first one being in the first quarter of 1986. These events often featured a diverse line-up such as Junior, The Style Council, The Communards, as well as Bragg and Weller themselves. These tours and events were well received and it is without doubt that minds had been changed because of their activity. But why did Labour still lose the 1987 election despite having the Wedge behind them?

The answer is simple; Thatcher’s main opposition was Neil Kinnock and the labour party. Kinnock was in charge of the labour party from 1970 until 1995. Not once in the 1980’s were they successful in an election. Many believe that MP Neil Kinnock’s frequent slip-ups and general tomfoolery was the main reason for election failures and general unpopularity. He had an avid dislike for fellow labour MP Ken Livingstone, also pictured. Internal issues such as this showed the poor organization and co-ordination of the party, thus drawing many member of the public towards the conservative party.
 * Labour Party **

Whilst it may not be during the time of The Red Wedge’s activity, it is important to consider the events preceding 1985 to understand why they desired change. During the 1980’s many changes were made. There was a desire to be seen as a higher class, driving faster cars, wearing more expensive clothes, and a higher role for women in society, one being Margaret Thatcher. Thatcher was leader of the conservative party and the prime minister of Britain during the entire decade. It is perhaps simple to see why she was seen as being such a barbaric character, leaving a trail of protesters in her wake. Firstly, her general appearance was almost comical. Her turned up nose, pursed lips, and beady hawk eyes it particularly for her to be demonized in the media. Furthermore, having a conservative party in power was a radical change from the liberal post-war lifestyles basked in by many in Britain.
 * Reign of Thatcher **

An example of her ruthless approach towards matters and issues under her rule would be the Falklands War. During 192, there were conflicts between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands. It resulted in over 900 casualties. Brutal determination such as hers reassured victory for Britain. However not everybody was victorious during the war. British soldier Simon Weston suffered severe burns following a bombing by the Argenginians, resulting in a horribly disfigured face. An extreme amount of operations were needed to reconstruct his face and for him to step into the public light and be heard about the horrors of the Falklands War.


 * My first encounter with a really low point was when they wheeled me into the transit hospital at RAF Lyneham and I passed my mother in the corridor and she said to my gran, "Oh mam, look at that poor boy" and I cried out "Mam, it's me!" And as she recognised my voice her face turned to stone.

Her approach to protesters and strikers however, was unsympathetic. In an attempt to nationalize the coal industry, she was met by several protesters. These people were branded as the “Enemy Within” by Thatcher, and they were dealt with by riot police, remarkable for the use of police on horseback. The protests soon turned violent and resulted in a few casualties and injuries. Displaying an affection for the working class was what the Red Wedge quickly decided to do, holding miners benefits and publically displaying support for the miners.

An iconic image of a protester about to get truncheoned. The iconic photograph was taken at Orgreave in Yorkshire by John Harris.

Following a third consecutive victory for the conservative party in 1987 the labour party had nothing more to offer and Kinnock soon resigned. The Red Wedge has eventually lost motivation and funding, thus it was closed in 1990. During their short time in action their message had been spread, they were publically known, but it was clear nothing was going to change due to labour’s unconvincing struggle to try and win the 1987 election.
 * Eventual Downfall **

Andrew Collins, (2007). //Billy Bragg//. Virgin Books (ISBN: 0753512459). Alan Watkins (1992). //A Conservative coup//. London: Duckworth (ISBN: 0715624350).
 * Bibliography :**

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