Does the lock have to be removed to change the return spring. Car is a 70 round nose, looks like a tricky job, any tips??

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SPO41 Mk2 Cooper S very original
1993 R32 Nissan Skyline GTR

You need the lock out to get at the escutcheon screws. However the lock can be slid out with the window in, contrary to some manuals.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Cheers I'm struggling to disconnect the mortise lock from the arm which connects the internal
lever, I was using a flat head to lever it out from the back of lock with no luck, am l doing this wrong?

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SPO41 Mk2 Cooper S very original
1993 R32 Nissan Skyline GTR

Put a towel into the bottom of the door cavity to catch little bits from disappearing into the black hole.
From memory I thought the interconnecting arm was held to the latch with the split, square section pin you can see through the round hole in the inner door frame. It should have a screw and washer holding it, visible through the round hole with the chrome button removed. Remove those and the square pin should be able to be drifted into the centre of the door and removed.
The latch is a tight fit between the door frame and that interconnecting arm and needs slight force to push it away from the door edge towards the opening.

Bend the end of the arm if needed, you can bend it back later. If you leave it open a bit you don't need that cursed circlip.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.