A Day That Shook The World: Maastricht Treaty

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On 11 December 1991 the Maastricht Treaty was signed - an event which had huge significance for the future of Europe as the treaty laid out plans for a single currency and increased powers for Europe's Parliament.

Then Prime Minister John Major had fought hard to have the word 'federal' removed from the treaty and to secure an opt out for Britain from the Euro currency and social chapter.

See news footage from the time and hear Major's response to the treaty in this British Pathe video: