Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
On 14 February 1963, newly-elected Labour Party leader Harold Wilson was interviewed by ITN’s Alastair Burnet. Wilson had taken over after the sudden death of Hugh Gaitskell, at a moment when Labour was redefining itself in opposition to Harold Macmillan’s Conservatives and responding to debates over Britain’s economic performance and Europe. In the interview, Wilson emphasised continuity with Gaitskell’s policy platform while stressing the importance of economic renewal, higher living standards and social justice. He also reflected on his role as leader, presenting himself as head of a united team, determined to “show to the country the idea of a virile, vigorous, young alternative government”.
#HaroldWilson #UKPolitics #LabourParty #LabourLeadership #1960s #SixtiesBritain #Labour #PoliticalHistory
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On 14 February 1963, newly-elected Labour Party leader Harold Wilson was interviewed by ITN’s Alastair Burnet. Wilson had taken over after the sudden death of Hugh Gaitskell, at a moment when Labour was redefining itself in opposition to Harold Macmillan’s Conservatives and responding to debates over Britain’s economic performance and Europe. In the interview, Wilson emphasised continuity with Gaitskell’s policy platform while stressing the importance of economic renewal, higher living standards and social justice. He also reflected on his role as leader, presenting himself as head of a united team, determined to “show to the country the idea of a virile, vigorous, young alternative government”.
#HaroldWilson #UKPolitics #LabourParty #LabourLeadership #1960s #SixtiesBritain #Labour #PoliticalHistory
To license the footage featured in this clip, follow the link below:
gettyimages.co.uk/detail/video/mr-harold-wilson-interview-england-london-intcu-harold-news-footage/1184461868?adppopup=true
To search the ITN Archive collection on Getty Images, follow the link below:
gettyimages.co.uk/footage/itn
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel (tap the bell icon and stay up to date with all the latest ITN Archive videos!) - youtube.com/@FrontlinebyITN
🎥 Follow us on Twitter - twitter.com/ITNArchive
🎥 Like us on Facebook - facebook.com/ITNArchiveITNP
🎥 Check out our TikTok - tiktok.com/@itnarchive1955
