"But it was the inspiring strike action of the organised working class, in many cases in defiance of their national leaders, that had the potential to transform political and social relations in Britain."

"Had the potential to". Not did. Things just went back to the way they were. The government got involved in a war, made a big song and dance about how beastly the foreigners were, and when it was over all had been forgotten. An oft repeated tactic, it worked again in 1982.