The Brexit Collection: 1975 referendum

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After Charles de Gaulle famously vetoed the UK’s decision to join the European Communities (EC), the UK finally became a member in 1973. By 1975 the first ever UK-wide referendum took place, where the electorate were asked “Do you think the United Kingdom should stay in the European Community (the common market)?” with 67% of the voting electorate answering "yes" and 33% "no".

This collection shows some of the leaflets that were handed out and delivered to households during the weeks and months leading up to the day of the referendum. These leaflets represent both those organisations campaigning for a "yes" vote and those for a "no" vote, and form part of a wider set of archives available at LSE Library that document the long and complex relationship between Britain and the European Union.

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