Learning from History? The 1975 Referendum on Europe - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

[@LONDONIA2072]

Brilliant series of lectures, and this one in particular - fascinating to hear now during the current mess . . .

[@BudFieldsPPTS]

An excellent presentation. Thank you for it.

[@ilokivi]

Thank you very much for this well organised and thoughtful analysis. Contrary to Benn's assertion, the UK's choice to remain in the EC and (from 1993 until 2020) the EU did not destroy parliamentary democracy any more than national identity. The devolved assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland demonstrated the capacity to exercise devolved power effectively within a European transnational organisation. The aftermath of the 2016 referendum shows that the campaign preceding it failed to provide an open, honest and accurate representation of the UK's relationship with the various bodies of the EU. The choice by the UK government to withdraw in 2017 showed inexperience, a lack of preparation and ultimately a willingness to use the referendum result as a mandate for total withdrawal and not the trading relationship which those campaigning to leave had advocated overwhelmingly. What has harmed parliamentary democracy more is the UK government's attempt to obtain from 2017 something very different from what was campaigned for. This weakens credibility and trust placed in law makers. Long lasting damage to the UK's economy and diplomatic standing has been inflicted, which may take many years to repair. It is not yet clear how durable the UK is, given the willingness of the Johnson government to represent the Northern Ireland Protocol to the EU Withdrawal Agreement as something which it is not, and to treat devolved assemblies with contempt. "Taking back control" has in practice been used to centralise power by the UK government, seeking to govern without accountability, scrutiny, openness or transparency. It reveals weaknesses which xenophobes and bigots have exploited, which damage the country's reputation for honesty. These issues will need to be remedied in reality before the UK decides how to proceed.

[@MrDavidht]

A long winded statement that says absolutely nothing.

[@stevenrogers5506]

I take it you voted to remain.

[@Pickettytitch69-om7nk]

A barmy Remain buffoon still chewing sour grapes. BTW, we never actually voted to join the EU...an entirely different concept to the original EEC.

[@Problembeing]

Powell (regardless of his odious views on race) and Benn & Shore have finally been vindicated.

[@danielmurray1490]

Also Michael Foot who in his 1983 manifesto advocated leaving the EEC

[@Problembeing]

@@JupiterThunder I don't think that is being objectively true. Besides, politics or science based around 'race' have usually tended to be based on flawed reasoning. Besides, 'race' doesn't exist. There is one race, the human race, and that is very different to phoenotypes, culture and various other factors that culminate in catagorising physical and certain genetic differences.

[@mhick3333]

What an excellent presenter unfortunately another lecture from this source was saturated with brown racism so that's it I will really miss him

[@danielmurray1490]

It that a wig

[@Pickettytitch69-om7nk]

Haha, I just thought the same! Born in 1943, he would have been aged 73/4 here, surely not possible to have such a mane of hair at that age.