The docks strike of 1970 was a major industrial action by dockers in the United Kingdom that raised fears of food shortages and led to a proclamation of a state of emergency by Queen Elizabeth II.
Trade links to Britain were severed by 90% after the first two weeks, while the British Army were on standby to protect food imports if necessary.
[1] Talks ultimately failed, with dockers rejecting a proposed pay offer in a vote by 48 to 32 and on 15 July 1970, a national strike ensued.
The British Army were stood by to protect food supplies but most dockers agreed to handle perishable goods and the strike was largely peaceful.
[4] Two weeks following the start of the strike, dockworkers were reported to be tiring of the dispute, which was understood to have severed Britain's trade links by around 90%.