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| 1949, Feb. 1 |
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| Rationing of clothing was discontinued, but meat, dairy products, and sugar continued to be on the list of restricted items. | 1 |
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| April |
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| North Atlantic Treaty signed (See April 4). | 2 |
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| April 2 |
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| Advertising lights went on again after a ten-year restriction in the use of electrical energy for such purposes. | 3 |
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| June–July |
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| A major dock strike, which effectively closed the nation's ports, led to the proclamation of a state of emergency before a settlement was finally reached. | 4 |
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| July 27 |
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| The de Haviland Comet, world's first jet airliner, made its premiere flight from Hatfield, England. | 5 |
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| Sept. 18 |
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| To meet the rapid decline of British exports and to remedy the growing dollar deficit, the British government devalued the pound sterling from $4.03 to $2.80. This set in motion a widespread devaluation of other European currencies. | 6 |
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| Nov. 24 |
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| The Iron and Steel Bill, calling for the nationalization of these key industries, passed both houses of Parliament, after raising considerable opposition. It was not to go into effect until 1951. | 7 |
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| Dec. 16 |
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| Despite opposition from the House of Lords, the Parliament Bill, restricting the powers of the upper house to veto legislation, was enacted into law. | 8 |
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