BREXIT DAY: Scotch pies and general indifference – how Britain’s entry into Europe was reported in 1973

On January 1 1973, following years of negotiations, Prime Minister Edward “Ted” Heath realised his dream of taking the UK into the European Communities.

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Dubbed by some historians as “Heath’s finest hour”, the mood for joining what was to become the EU in Britain was tepid to say the least.

Joining Europe must mean increases in market prices for food. Instead of a cheap food policy with supplies flowing in from everywhere at world trade prices we are switching to a system of deliberately managed markets.”
 
– National Farmers’ Union, January 1 1973

Sir Edward gave a speech on the same day, at a celebration banquet.