The NUM and British Politics

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The book explores the complex relationship between the miners, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), and the British state from the union's inception in 1944. Utilizing confidential archives and oral testimonies, it highlights the NUM's significant influence on British politics, particularly during coal's prominence in energy production. The narrative details pivotal strikes in 1972 and 1974, illustrating the miners' power, and examines the decline of this influence as the country transitioned to alternative energy sources by the early 1980s.