Quote:
Originally Posted by RichardCoulter
Watched a history programme last night; didn't know that we had tried to join the EU in 1963 and were rejected because of France.
I understand that it was the Heath Government that finally took us into the EU in 1974 (what changed to appease France?), so was the actual referendum held afterwards to allow us to decide whether to stay in it or not?
From what I gather, the result was 'No'. Was this honoured in any way?
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“ The Government has announced the results of the renegotiation of the United Kingdom's terms of membership of the European Community.
Do you think the United Kingdom should stay in the European Community (the Common Market)? ”
Location United Kingdom (pop. 56.225m)
Date 5 June 1975
Results
Votes %
Yes 17,378,581 67.23%
No 8,470,073 32.77%
Valid votes 25,848,654 99.79%
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1975_U...hip_referendum
Invalid or blank votes 54,540 0.21%
Total votes 25,903,194 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 40,086,677 64.62%
Between 21 and 28 October 1971 the House of Commons debated whether or not the UK should become a member of the EC, with then Prime Minister Edward Heath commenting just before the vote:
“ But tonight when this House endorses this Motion many millions of people right across the world will rejoice that we have taken our rightful place in a truly United Europe! ”
The House of Commons voted 356-244 in favour of the motion, with the Prime Minister commenting straight afterwards on behalf of the house.
“ Resolved, That this House approves Her Majesty's Government's decision of principle to join the European Communities on the basis of the arrangements which have been negotiated. ”
No referendum was held when Britain agreed to an accession treaty on 22 January 1972 or when the European Communities Act 1972 went through the legislative process, on the grounds that to hold one would be unconstitutional. The United Kingdom joined the European Communities on 1 January 1973, along with Denmark and the Republic of Ireland. The EC would later become the European Union.