CBI: 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS INNOVATION | BRITAIN AND BEYOND
CONTINENTAL DRIFT
BRITAIN AND EUROPE
The recent history of Britain’s engagement with the rest of Europe spans almost perfectly the lifetime of the CBI. This sometimes tempestuous relationship is currently going through another challenging phase.
In 1963 French President Charles de Gaulle vetoed the UK’s application to join what was then known as the European Economic Community with the words “l’Angleterre, ce n’est plus grand chose” (“England is not such a big thing”). The UK had applied to join in 1961 and, despite a concerted campaign by the government, would be rejected again by France in 1967. As CBI President Sir Stephen Brown said – with considerable understatement – in that year’s annual report: “We experienced a serious setback to our hopes and aspirations of joining the Common Market.”
The government and the business community were united in wanting to secure British membership of the EEC. While the UK would clearly gain, as it was suffering an economic slowdown at a time when France in particular was enjoying a renaissance, they also recognised the mutual benefit of being part of a larger trading area. While de Gaulle was clearly an
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immovable barrier to UK entry, his resignation in 1969 opened the door to renewed efforts by the government of Edward Heath to gain membership. Finally, on 1 January 1973, Britain became a fully-fledged member.
CBI BUFFERS UP The CBI created an “Impact Europe” train that it took around the country, a travelling exhibition with videos – an innovation at the time – and presentations to promote UK membership of the EEC. It steamed out of London’s Euston station on 27 April 1972 and travelled almost 3,000 miles around the country presenting the seminars in some 30 towns and cities. The train was divided into an exhibition area, a restaurant car, a VIP lounge and four conference areas where seminars could take place simultaneously, seating 100 business executives.
ROLE REVERSAL Labour’s campaign manifesto for the October 1974 election had included a pledge to give the electorate a vote on whether to stay inside the
Common Market – something it said the Conservatives had not offered. Labour leader Harold Wilson said he had embarked on “tough negotiations” to ensure that membership did not impoverish working people. When membership was put to a referendum in 1975, it had the support of Britain’s three main parties – although the government set aside collective cabinet responsibility. The CBI was fully behind membership with president Ralph Bateman and other leaders making hundreds of speeches, press conferences and TV and radio broadcasts. “The CBI ran a thoroughly professional campaign throughout the referendum debate to ensure that industry’s case was understood,” said Bateman in the CBI’s Annual Report of 1975, “and to counter … any misunderstanding over the effect of continued EEC membership on jobs and prices.” The result was resounding – with more than 67 per cent voting in favour on a turnout of 65 per cent. The 1980s saw a reversion to the more hostile
relationship of the 1960s – but this time it was »
Ted Heath (opposite, top) secured EEC entry in 1973; a 1975 referendum saw the decision approved (opposite, bottom)
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