Wilson + EEC Membership

Question 1

When did Br join the EEC?

Answer 1

-1973 under Heath

Question 2

What was the lab party’s view on joining the EEC?

Answer 2

-lab divided on issues when Wilson first became PM 1964
-divisions resurfaced 1973 when in opposition

Question 3

Who were the divisions in Labour amongst?

Answer 3

-europhiles - Jenkins + Callaghan
-but others set dead against it - Benn + Foot

Question 4

What was Wilson’s stance on joining EEC?

Answer 4

-didn’t have specific stance on it
-not overly bothered
-but key advocate for party unity

Question 5

What did Wilson do regarding the EEC when he became PM for second time?

Answer 5

-renegotiated + seemed referendum on EEC membership

Question 6

What had Wilson done by march 1975?

Answer 6

-renegotiated terms of EEC membership to resolve split in lab
-he promised TUs he would do this as they were mainly anti-EEC

Question 7

What happened after Wilson re-negotiated?

Answer 7

-reduced amount Br paid into EEC budget
-but few meaningful changes were made as crisis of 1973 convinced many Br needed to be in EEC + public reluctant change minds

Question 8

What was Wilson’s success regarding EEC membership?

Answer 8

-he made this as fair as he could
-stuck to promises of renegotiation + referendum
-ultimately solved divisions with changes he made

Question 9

What was the outcome of the 1975 EEC referendum?

Answer 9

-67% voted remain
-32% voted leave
-turnout was high - 64%