Clement Attlee Opposes Britain Joining a European Union (1963)

On 3 January 1963, ITN interviewed former Prime Minister Clement Attlee on the occasion of his 80th birthday. During the conversation, he explained his reasons for opposing Britain's entry into the European Common Market.

Follow the link below to watch the full interview, in which the former Labour leader reflects on his greatest achievements in government, and reveals which of the world statesmen he met in his time impressed him the most.:

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[Wackaz]

I can't believe I've never actually seen footage of Clement Attlee talking before. Mind-blowing.

[youtubesucks]

The ‘dictatorship of civil servants’ comment was spot on!

[moonlit_forest]

The population became healthy under Attlee! Keep in mind Attlee grew up as an upper middle class Victorian and was conservative until he saw so much poverty in London which made him become socialist

[MindandMindResearchestheAuthor]

Back those days the politicians there were speaking the truth

[vlad_]

"a dictatorship of civil servants" nailed it

[drewdonnelly]

This shower of Sh*t we got couldn't hold a candle to this fella.

[thecuriousguy]

I'm a proud scottish nationalist and I have nothing but praise for attlee

[mahfuzurchowdhury]

From his perspective, it made complete sense to think the way he did about the beginnings of the EU. However, it very much developed through the decades, where, from Britain's perspective, it didn't just "limit" us to Europe. We had Europe, our alliances of the commonwealth along with the USA - the best of both worlds (or all world)!

[jpa_fasty]

Quite unbelievable just how prophetic this was.

[anthonyfoster]

Back in the day when labour politicians were intelligent and had some common sense that at least people could understand.

[ULHIS]

You don't want to be in Europe, but you do want to have the European as friends. They're a bloody good lot. Alignment isn't a bad thing, you just can't be in a position you're dictated to. All will work itself out.

[hugoclarke]

Throughout history, we have had both tough leaders and wise elders. Men to fight for our interests, and men to guide us in judgement. It appears to me that in modern politics, the latter is becoming increasingly uncommon. Hardly any figures like Atlee come to mind.

[benusmaximus]

This is what Corbyn wishes he could have said…

[LivingLifeAfterDeath]

Atlee was on the money when he said a dictatorship of civil servants..I’m not a fan of Labour but Atlee was worth listening to..We have so much to thank him for creating the NHS..

[mikewilliams]

If only our Political leaders were as honorable as this man.

[PENDEJO-POMPOTAS]

Good God, I have the impression this man, in his day, foresaw today's bureaucratic European Union ! Incredible !

[markjeppo]

Atlee, one of the most influential PMs we ever had, yet remains relatively unknown!

[milaanvigraham]

As an Indian, I really like the sentiments here. I'm sure I love Britain more than the other European countries since we have a lot of shared history - if their leaders put race aside and chose to ally based on shared history and culture, I'm sure a lot more Indians would forgive the past and feel more aligned with the UK. Attlee was a good man. Among his many other great virtues, I am thankful that he gave India her independence.

[beezergutler]

The greatest politician in British history hands down.

[guywilloughby]

The only labour PM who i fully agree with.