Referendum (1975) Flashcards
(10 cards)
What was the purpose of the 1975 referendum on the EEC?
To convince the public to support continued EEC membership and to unite the Labour Party.
What question did the 1975 Referendum Act pose?
“Should the government remain in the EEC?”
Which Labour faction supported the Common Market?
The right-leaning faction of the Labour Party.
Which Conservative voters also tended to support the Common Market?
Some left-wing Conservative voters.
What was the result of the 1975 EEC referendum?
About two-thirds of voters chose to remain in the Common Market.
Who were prominent figures in the ‘Yes’ campaign?
Wilson, Jenkins, Shirley Williams, Margaret Thatcher, and William Whitelaw.
Who were key figures or groups in the ‘No’ campaign?
Enoch Powell, the IRA, the National Front, and trade unions.
What was the general stance of newspapers during the referendum?
Most newspapers supported the EEC and campaigned for the ‘Yes’ vote.
Which part of the UK was more pro-Europe during the referendum?
The South of England.
What were some concerns raised during the 1975 referendum campaign?
Outward immigration to work in Europe, higher food costs compared to cheaper Commonwealth imports, potential damage to the UK’s “special relationship” with the U.S.
