As I have stated previously, the Militant Tendency capitalised on the massive discontent, felt at that time by the people of Scotland... That's not to say that the people of England or Wales, and the occupied territory of Eire, hadn't reason for dissatisfaction with Maggie Thatcher and her Economic plunder. On the contrary they had every reason, however she decided to implement the Community Charge in Scotland first. ( Democracy don't make me laugh )
It is well worth noting that the Millie's where a 100% Unionist Party, in that context Scotland and her people, didn't exist.
They stamped their Federation with Britain, in their eyes it mattered little, if thousands of families in Scotland had firmly drawn a line in the sand, by refusing to register for the tax. Tommy and his brigade duly complied with the first act of the Community Charge, namely the registration. So as we where fighting, being fined thousands of pounds, by a ruthless Labour Council, the British Federation slept peacefully.
We had huge bonfires in Glasgow, we asked people to come along and burn the forms. To the best of my knowledge the first fire was outside my house. Other areas in Maryhill followed suit, Edinburgh and Aberdeen had similar events.
The police where called to our fire, they duly contacted Maryhill Fire Station, they arrived blue lights flashing. I took the opportunity to plead with the fire fighters. As it turns out I was successful - they refused to douse the flames.