The myth of exclusivity: informal interparty cooperation

Abstract

This chapter reveals the important day-to-day legislative battles usually neglected in favour of headline-grabbing Bills, documenting Labour’s engagement with other types of informal cooperation during the Lib-Lab Pact of 1977 to 1978, and tracing the Conservatives’ efforts to deal with other parties. At times during the Pact when Liberal cooperation seemed unforthcoming, internal Government debates highlight Labour’s consideration of ad hoc deals with the Ulster Unionists and SNP to pass critical legislation. The Opposition approach to informal interparty cooperation shows less visible facets of their relations with the Liberals, and their efforts to gain support from smaller parties including the UUP.