1956 Maltese United Kingdom integration referendum facts for kids

Date	11–12 February 1956
Quick facts for kids Results Votes  % Yes 67,607 77.02% No 20,177 22.98% Valid votes 87,784 97.17% Invalid or blank votes 2,559 2.83% Total votes 90,343 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 152,783 59.13%

In February 1956, the island nation of Malta held a special vote called a referendum. People voted on whether Malta should become more closely connected with the United Kingdom. Most people who voted said yes, with about 77% in favor. However, not everyone voted; only 59% of eligible voters participated. This was partly because one major political group, the Nationalist Party, asked its supporters not to vote. Even though the idea was approved, it was never fully put into action. Eight years later, Malta became an independent country within the British Commonwealth, known as the State of Malta.

Malta's Big Vote for Change

What Was Proposed?

The plan was for Malta to become a part of the United Kingdom. This meant Malta would get three special seats in the British House of Commons, which is like the UK's parliament. The British government department called the Home Office would take over looking after Malta's affairs, instead of the Colonial Office.

The UK parliament would be in charge of Malta's defence (protecting the country) and foreign affairs (dealing with other countries). They would also eventually control direct taxes. However, Malta's own parliament would still manage most things. This included education and the role of the Catholic Church in Malta. The plan also promised to improve wages, job opportunities, and living standards in Malta. The goal was to make them similar to those in the rest of the UK.

The Road to Independence

Even though the vote showed support for joining the UK, the low number of people who voted caused problems. Groups against the plan said the result wasn't clear enough. Some British politicians were also worried. They thought giving Malta seats in their parliament might make other colonies want the same thing. They also worried it could affect UK general elections.

Because of these issues, the plan for integration was never fully carried out. Malta eventually became an independent country. This happened on 21 September 1964. Later, on 13 December 1974, Malta became a republic, meaning it no longer had the British monarch as its head of state. The last British forces left Malta on 31 March 1979, marking the end of a defence agreement with the UK.