Days of Hope

Conscientious objectors during the First World War are forced to either join the army or face death by firing squad. We follow Philip, one such case as he receives a particularly brutal treatment and is forcibly removed to France.

During the coal lock-out in 1921, Ben's army unit is redeployed from Ireland to police the dispute in County Durham. Ben deserts the army and is sheltered by a miner named Joel. He begins a relationship with his eldest daughter. When donations of food from Liverpool are intercepted by the police and the army, the miners revolt and take some soldiers hostage. Joel and his comrades then make demands on the pit owner, Mr. Pitchard.

Ben is released from prison and joins the Communist Party. Philip Hargreaves is elected as a Labour MP.

Coal miners' pay is reduced while at the same time they are told to work longer hours, which results in a massive strike. Their differing approaches drives a wedge between Phillip, his wife Sarah, and her brother Ben.