Yes to Europe!

by Robert Saunders
Yes to Europe! cover
Good Books rating 3.83
History
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £19.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1406
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-05
  • ISBN: 9781108587327
  • Publisher: Cambridge University Press
  • Published: 2018-03-15
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 3

On June 5, 1975, Britain held its first national referendum to decide whether to remain in the European Community. This landmark event fractured traditional political alliances and sparked a national debate about Britain's global role. The campaign to stay in the EC united unlikely allies, from the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher to the Labour government, while the 'Get Britain Out' campaign drew support from figures as varied as Enoch Powell and Scottish nationalists. /n/n This panoramic survey of 1970s Britain delves into the referendum's far-reaching impact, examining why voters ultimately chose to remain in Europe and why the result failed to settle the ongoing debate about Britain's place in the world. The book offers a comprehensive look at the political, social, and cultural forces at play during this transformative period.

Reviews
Sam Freedman's Substack · Sam Freedman · 2019-04-01
significant 4.50

The book is praised for its thorough exposure of the ugly side of politics. It is considered a significant contribution to the understanding of Brexit and its historical context.

Sam Freedman includes this book in his list of top ten books on British politics, highlighting its significance in understanding the complexities of Brexit. Freedman praises the book for its thorough exposure of the less glamorous aspects of politics, making it a compelling read. He notes that while Brexit is a recent event, this book provides valuable historical context and insights into the political dynamics that led to the 1975 referendum. Freedman suggests that the book is essential reading for anyone looking to understand the broader political landscape of Britain.

Quick quotes

    No book more thoroughly exposes the ugly side of politics.

    Brexit was too recent for there to be any definitive history, but this book provides valuable context.

    It is a significant contribution to understanding the political dynamics of the 1970s.

The Guardian · 2018-03-29
informative 3.00

The book offers a traditional portrait of 1970s Britain, focusing on national crises and political dynamics. It provides a comprehensive but somewhat conventional account of the 1975 referendum.

The reviewer notes that this book is a detailed exploration of the 1975 referendum, offering a panoramic view of Britain in the 1970s. They appreciate the depth of research but find the approach somewhat traditional, emphasizing national crises and political maneuvering. While it provides valuable insights into the historical context, the reviewer suggests that it could have benefited from a more innovative perspective. The book is seen as a solid contribution to understanding the referendum but may not offer groundbreaking new insights.

Quick quotes

    As a portrait of Britain in the 1970s, this book is disappointingly traditional.

    There is the usual emphasis on national crises, tackiness, and political dynamics.

    The book provides a comprehensive but somewhat conventional account of the referendum.

The Telegraph · Nick Comfort · 2018-03-24
fascinating 4.00

The book offers a detailed account of the 1975 referendum, highlighting the stark contrast between Britain then and now. It provides a fascinating look at the political landscape of the 1970s.

Nick Comfort, who reported on the 1975 referendum for The Daily Telegraph, provides a detailed review of Robert Saunders' book. Comfort highlights how the book effectively captures the political atmosphere of the 1970s, offering a stark contrast to the current political climate. He praises the book for its thorough research and engaging narrative, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in British political history. Comfort also notes that the book helps modern readers understand the complexities of the referendum and the factors that led to the 'Yes to Europe' vote.

Quick quotes

    Today's voters would hardly recognise the Britain that voted to stay in Europe.

    The book offers a fascinating look at the political landscape of the 1970s.

    It provides a thorough and engaging account of the 1975 referendum.

Appears in Lists