Entry into the European Community, 1971-73 - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

The history, politics and personalities that led to entrering the European Community in 1973: www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and...
This lecture analyses the reasons for the successful negotiations between Edward Heath's Conservative government and the European Community, which led to entry into 1973. It considers the parliamentary battles over entry and the problems they caused for both government and opposition
The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website: www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and...
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[@LONDONIA2072]

Thanks prof - brilliant, clear talk on the unbelievably complex' Europe or not' question which has dogged British politics for decades.

[@RKarmaKill]

Love this guy. Thank u

[@pinchermartyn3959]

Heath has a lot to answer for. We are in this mess because of him. Terrific lecture.

[@dny9394]

and Blair.

[@BattlestarZenobia]

No, we’re in this mess because Cameron was trying to copy Wilson without being able to understand why he won or how it worked.

[@michaelmcphillips4079]

Sovereignty is protected when no law can be passed that hasn't been agreed by the Council and Commission first. Commission used to decide what laws to propose and individual countries had a say on the Council whether to accept it or not. There was therefore a consultation period when governments could discuss proposals in their parliaments if they choose and in many instances unanimous agreement in the Council was required. Government Ministers in the Council decided to reject or accept and none would do so without specific agreement from their government. There was also 'opt out' options for laws for agreed periods of time if they were demanded. That could not therefore be described as 'loss of sovereignty'.

[@dny9394]

Seems like EU-speak to me, They are at it today, see VdLeyen a few days ago. And what if the Gov lies, see Heath et al.? The EU just gave Frosty 1,000 pages of the same one-sided obfuscatory nonsensical drivel a few days ago. After 4 years. Goodbye.

[@imdbist]

Support of the EU seems fluid like some believe gender is.