Political Developments: Divisions in the Conservative Party over The Maastricht Treaty Flashcards
What did the Danish do with the Maastricht Treaty in June 1992? What did this make the Conservatives think?
The Danish called a referendum over the Maastricht Treaty. It made Conservatives question if they should hold their own referendum on it
Although Major negotiated changes for Britain under Maastricht, who would he need to justify the treaty to?
The House of Commons
When did Conservative MP’s initially try and block the Maastricht Treaty?
July 1993
How did Major stop the initial blocking of the Maastricht Treaty?
He threatened a vote of no confidence on himself
Why did the vote of no confidence threat work to stop divisions?
The Conservatives were not prepared for another election
What was the situation for the Conservatives popularity in polls in mid-1993?
They were unpopular
What happened when Major stated in a news broadcast about the Conservative Maastricht Opposition?
That he thought about sacking 3 ministers
What happened to what Major said in the news broadcast?
it became a newspaper headline
Name a party that was set up in opposition to The Maastricht Treaty
Anti-Federalist Party
How many Conservative MP’s opposed The Maastricht Treaty at it’s second reading?
22 MP’s
How many amendments were made by Conservative MP’s to the Maastricht Treaty?
600 amendments
Why were so many amendments to the Maastricht Treaty created?
So that it could slow down the progress of the bill
What did the scale of rebellion to the treaty show about questions over Conservatve leadership?
Conservative MP’s were unhappy with Major as their leader
When did the Maastricht Treaty pass in the House of Commons? (To the month)
May 1993
How many Conservative MP’s opposed The Maastricht Treaty by the time it was passed?
46
