In 1955, the British government agreed that Malta would be allowed to become an integral part of the UK, whereupon Malta would be allocated three seats in the British Parliament.

In February 1956, a referendum held in Malta approved of this proposed British integration by nearly 75% (voter turnout stood at 60%), which was also fully backed by the Labour party-led Malta government.

Why then, despite the referendum result, did Integration not proceed, and how come that the Labour party did a 180° degree turn and came out for full Independence in the end?

This video has iconic footage from the period, including that of Dominic Mintoff in London during the drive to secure full Integration with the British Empire.

UPITN reporter Peter Snow interviews British Defence Secretary Lord Carrington, on 30th December 1971, about Mr Mintoff's insistence and demand that the British forces stationed in Malta had to leave by the 31st of December at the latest.