Britain's Second EEC Rejection (1967)

Question 1

Labour’s Euroseptics

Answer 1

• Many of Labour’s left-wing
• E.g. Michael Foot, Barbara Castle and trade unions
• Hostile to joining EEC
• Saw EEC as a club for capitalists, prevent Britain from following socialist policies

Question 2

Labour’s Europhiles

Answer 2

• Many of Labour right-wing
• E.g. Roy Jenkins and George Brown

Question 3

Wilson’s Views of EEC Membership

Answer 3

• Wilson was personally ambivalent (uncertain) about joining the EEC
• Personally preferred the Atlantic Alliance and maintaining strong links with the Commonwealth
• He could also appreciate the economic reasons for joining
• Conscious of needing to keep the Labour Party united on the matter

Question 4

Reasons for the 1967 EEC Application

Answer 4

• 1966: Wilson and his cabinet agreed to make a second application for EEC membership
• Chances of success was low
• British bid in danger of seeming half-hearted due to left-wing Euroseptics
• De Gaulle was still President of France, opinion unlikely to have changed
• Left-wing were not too loud in their opposition as the chances of getting in seemed poor

Question 5

Reasons for the 1967 EEC Rejection

Answer 5

• Decision strongly backed by Conservative and Liberal MPs
• 36 Labour MPs opposed
• Discussions took place at the same time as the Sterling Crisis, leading to the 1967 Devaluation
• De Gaulle vetoed the application again on similar grounds to the first time
• Claimed Britain would be an obstructive member, too close to the US
• Demanded Britain to detach itself from the US, Wilson wouldn’t agree to this
• Annoyance from other 5 members towards the French became quite open
• Wilson suffered same humiliation as his predecessor, Macmillan