The story of a divorce
How Brexit happened
T
HE VOTE in the House of Commons to approve Britain’s membership of the European Economic Community on October 28th 1971 was greeted with widespread jubilation. The “yes” vote was larger than expected, and it passed with a majority of 112. Leading politicians went off to celebrate in different ways some to parties, while the famously buttoned-up prime minister, Edward Heath (pictured), returned to Downing Street in a mood of elation and played the first prelude and fugue from Bach’s “The Well-Tempered Clavier”.
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A Briton celebrates his country s membership of the European Economic Community with a French customs officer on January 1, 1973 in Le Havre Jean-Pierre PREVEL Text size
On January 1, 1973 Britain joined the European Economic Community in festive spirits following a decade of tough negotiations, though public opinion on membership was mixed.
For around 10 days, as part of a Fanfare for Europe gala, 300 sports and cultural events were held nationwide showcasing the EEC countries.
Membership had increased from six to nine, with Denmark and Ireland also joining alongside Britain.
The Conservative government s europhile prime minister Edward Heath described Britain s entry to the bloc as very moving .