The proposals were never fully implemented, and the country became an independent Realm within the British Commonwealth titled the State of Malta eight years later.

[4] The UK parliament would have control of defence and foreign affairs, and eventually direct taxation, whereas the Maltese parliament would be responsible for all other areas of public life, including education and the position of the Catholic Church.

[5] Under the text of the referendum, agreements would be made with the United Kingdom with the objective of improving wages, employment opportunities and standards of living on the islands to parity with the rest of the UK.

[5] Do you approve of the proposals as set out in the Malta Government Gazette of the 10th January, 1956?Despite the results approving further integration with the UK, the low turnout allowed the opposition to claim that the result was inconclusive.

[6] There were also concerns expressed by some British MPs that the representation of Malta at Westminster would set a precedent for other colonies, and influence the outcome of general elections.