Brexit was a revolt. Ten years on, its causes remain

This week marks the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum – an event that has reshaped British politics over the past decade and may well continue to do so into the future.

Brexit had its origins in Britain’s complex relationship with the EU and its predecessor organization, the European Economic Community (EEC) – a relationship that has for decades been at the heart of British politics.

Since the 1950s, Britain has been divided over whether it should become a member of these European-based organizations, and the Conservative and Labour parties have always been split over the issue – with both right wing Conservatives and left-wing Labourites being strongly opposed to UK membership.

French President Charles de Gaulle, fearful that Britain would be a Trojan horse of American influence, vetoed two attempts by Britain to join the EEC in the 1960s.

In 1973, after de Gaulle’s death, Prime Minister Edward Heath, a moderate Conservative, arranged Britain’s belated entry into the EEC. When Harold Wilson became Labour prime minister in 1974, in response to pressure from the Labour left, he held a referendum a year later on whether Britain should remain a member – and 67% of UK voters decided that it should.

It is noteworthy that the 1975 referendum was conducted in a civilized manner, and that the arguments put forward by both sides were confined to the issue of EEC membership.