IN 1979, A new Conservative Government was elected in the United Kingdom. They were committed to the free market philosophy and a programme of privatisation. Cable & Wireless was an early candidate due to its long early history in the private sector. The privatisation was also part of a government policy of telecommunications liberalisation. In July 1980, the Secretary of State for Industry made a policy statement outlining the plan to liberalise telecommunication and postal services which including the privatisation of C&W.
Over the next year, the mechanics for de-regulation were established, including clearing the way for a licence for an alternative telecommunications network (Mercury Communications Ltd). In November 1981, Cable & Wireless was privatised.
