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Civil servant who negotiated UK's entry into EU reflects on Brexit

1973 - the moment the UK joined the then European Economic Community. For Edward Heath, the then Prime Minister, it was the culmination of more than a decade of negotiation, set back, then more negotiation. At Mr Heath's side during the successful entry talks in the early 1970s was Robert Armstrong, his private secretary at Number Ten. A decade later, he was Sir Robert, cabinet secretary, and at Margaret Thatcher's side during a series of difficult European Summits. Now Lord Armstrong, he's been reflecting with Shaun Ley on the journey he witnessed into Europe, and the growing disaffection which is now taking us out.

(Photo: European delegates at 1972 EEC talks. Credit: Getty Images)

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3 minutes