Donal Fallon: How Margaret Thatcher and her knitted jumper helped nip the first attempt at Brexit in the bud, 50 years ago
Briefly

In Ireland, referendums are relatively common due to constitutional mandates, while they hold less frequency in the UK. This month marks the 50th anniversary of a significant British referendum on whether to remain in the European Community, a decision that came shortly after Britain's accession to the European Economic Community. The complexity surrounding the 1975 referendum was substantial, especially when juxtaposed with the more straightforward, albeit impactful, 2016 referendum that led to Brexit.
Fifty years ago this month, Britain was asked to answer a pivotal referendum question about remaining in the European Community, showcasing how complex such events can be.
The referendum held in Britain examined not just the possible exit from the European Community but the broader implications of UK identity and its economic future.
Unlike Ireland, where referendums are relatively routine due to constitutional requirements, the occurrence of such events in Britain is a much rarer phenomenon.
The complexities of the 1975 referendum were notable, especially when compared to the 2016 referendum which led to Brexit, highlighting shifting perceptions on European integration.
Read at Independent
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