Social history of the United Kingdom (1979–present)
The social history of the United Kingdom (1979–present) began with Conservative Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher (1979–1990) entering government and rejecting the post-war consensus in the 1980s. She privatised most state-owned industries and worked to weaken the power and influence of the trade unions. The party remained in government throughout most of the 1990s albeit with growing internal difficulties under the leadership of Prime Minister John Major (1990–1997).
A soldier in London browses social media during 2012: use of the internet and computerised technology has expanded from a rare novelty in the 1970s to being ubiquitous in almost all aspects of life today.
Margaret Thatcher (pictured in 1983) was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990
The UK's relationship with the EU dominated British political debate in the second half of the 2010s.
Diana, Princess of Wales was married to Prince Charles from 1981 to 1996. She died in a car accident in 1997.
Diana, Princess of Wales was a member of the British royal family. She was the first wife of Charles III and mother of Princes William and Harry. Her activism and glamour, which made her an international icon, earned her enduring popularity.
Diana in 1997
Althorp (pictured in 2006), the Spencer family seat
Diana and Charles's wedding commemorated on a stamp by the Post of Seychelles
With Charles during the royal tour of Australia in 1983
