Margaret Thatcher's Pro-Europe Jumper From 1975 Referendum Has Been Revived

'I would look gorgeous in this'
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CommonMarket/BBC

A jumper worn by Margaret Thatcher to show solidarity with Europe during the 1975 referendum is poised for a renaissance just days before the country goes to the polls.

The Common Market website is selling the "9 Flags Knit" sported by the former Prime Minister, which features the nine countries that then made up the Common Market. The pullover has been reduced from £65 to a bargain £45. 

Thatcher, then leader of the Tory opposition, campaigned for a 'Yes' vote to join the union - which may surprise many 41 years later given the long-standing Conservative hostility to the European Union.

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Margaret Thatcher lends her support to 'Keep Britain in Europe' campaigners in Parliament Square in June 1975.
P. Floyd via Getty Images

Common Market says:

"In the build-up to the EU referendum on 23 June, Common Market has designed a unisex knit inspired by the campaigns of the past. The sweater plays on one Margaret Thatcher wore on the campaign trail in 1975, when even Tory nationalists espoused closer European integration under the slogan ‘Support Your Local Continent.’

"The 9 Flags Knit references the positive imagery of the earlier European referendum, when Britain overwhelmingly chose to stay part of Europe. The jacquard knit features the flags of each of the nine countries who made up the Common Market at that time: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, West Germany, Ireland, Denmark, and the United Kingdom."

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That Thatcher jump back on the market
Common Market

Twitter is loving it.

 

Former Labour Home Secretary Jacqui Smith appeared particularly partial to the sweater.

Though some were keen to point out Thatcher wasn't necessarily pro-Europe.

Just in case you were wondering what Manchester United and France football legend Eric Cantona would look like in his europhile finery, Common Market have provided the answer. 

 And Michelangelo's David? Looking good.

But is it the best EU referendum merchandise? The Jeremy Corbyn 'In' mug offers stiff competition.

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