Archive: how the Guardian reported the 1975 EEC referendum

Margaret Thatcher MP, leader of the Conservative opposition, at a pro-European rally in Parliament Square, before the EEC referendum, 1975. Photograph: AP

Forty years ago, on 5 June 1975, Britain held its first referendum on whether the UK should stay or leave the European Community (Common Market). The majority voted Yes - 17,378,581 people (67.2 per cent) - to remain in Europe.

The Guardian’s analysis of the result included David Mckie’s Anatomy of a landslide in which he noted that Shetland and the Western Isles were the only areas in the country to vote No. The decisiveness of the Yes-vote ended a period of uncertainty while opening the way for a new French initiative for political unity in Europe.

The Guardian, 7 June 1975. See the full article.

Industry secretary Tony Benn leaves no question to his views on the EEC at a public meeting of the ‘Get Britain Out Campaign’ at Acton Town Hall. Photograph: PA/EMPICS

A fullhearted decision was the Guardian’s verdict on the result, while a second editorial called for the European parliament to move to Brussels.

The anti-marketeers included Tony Benn and Enoch Powell, while Margaret Thatcher argued for staying in Europe.

Full details on how the UK regions voted:

The Guardian, 7 June 1975. See full results.