Lessons for David Cameron from the European referendum of 1975

It has been 40 years since British citizens last voted on whether to stay in what was then called the European Economic Community (also known as the Common Market). In a referendum held on June 5 1975, the country spoke decisively, with 67% of Britons voting to stay in.

The 1975 episode does ... offer some valuable lessons for the upcoming referendum. Primarily, it shows the many complications that face a government divided over Europe.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: European Union Referendum Bill 2015-16 http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-union-referendum-bill-2015-16/

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

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