Margaret Thatcher's Referendum U-Turn: From Opponent to Advocate of a Popular Vote on Europe

In 1974, Margaret Thatcher, who had just taken the helm of the Conservative Party, expressed her opposition to the Labour-supported referendum regarding Britain's membership in the European Community, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary sovereignty. On 11 March 1975, she cautioned that if the electorate disagreed with Parliament, it was essential for MPs to honor the result to uphold democratic trust. The referendum held on 5 June 1975 garnered 67% approval for remaining in the EC, with a turnout exceeding 64%. Thatcher's backing was primarily economic, as she envisioned a liberalized Europe aiding in Eastern Europe's liberation from communism. On 7 June 1993, she criticized the Maastricht Treaty, claiming it prioritized political integration over economic welfare, necessitating a referendum due to the backing of the three major parties. Pascal Lamy noted that Denmark's rejection highlighted a lack of readiness for integration.