Agree with what you have said. If fact we are where we are because the country has not had an opportunity to vote before (2016) on leaving. The 2016 referendum was the very first opportunity. Originally, we voted to go into a 'common market' then every government since has taken us deeper. It has been said that if we did not like it then we could vote against it in General elections. BUT.. No party has raised the issue or had leave in its Manifesto. If the Brexit party or UKIP were around years ago then maybe this would have raised its head sooner. In fact is that UKIP probably the first opportunity and now Brexit Party to actually gauge national opinion on the matter! Yes governments are voted in to run the the country on all matters. Being in Europe has been one sided with little opportunity to vote before 2016 on leaving, hence this issue now. It can be seen that the main parties are not in favour so who do you vote for if you wished a Brexit to happen. Clearly there is now a party that may now go forward to actually allow voters a voice on this matter in a General Election!
As is often the case with Brexiteers what you say is simply not true... the Treaty of Rome of 1957, enacted from 1958, outlined all the ideas for developing a closer European Union between the 6, where desirable. We signed up to it and voted to stay in it in the 70's.
The reasons for this were economic self interest, and despite the crises of the 70's as outlined previously down to global fuel costs... largely the decision was vindicated.
Labour in 83 had a clear policy of withdrawal from the EU in its manifesto, got about 27% of the vote.
Thatcher despite her misgivings was keen on driving through the single market..... here's a sample of a speech she gave to business leaders in 88.
"How we meet the challenge of the Single Market will be a major factor, possibly the major factor, in our competitive position in European and world markets into the twenty-first century. Getting it right needs a partnership between government and business.
The task of government is two-fold: —to negotiate in Brussels so as to get the possible results for Britain; —and then to make you the business community aware of the opportunities, so that you can make the most of them.
It's your job, the job of business, to gear yourselves up to take the opportunities which a single market of nearly 320 million people will offer.
Just think for a moment what a prospect that is. A single market without barriers—visible or invisible—giving you direct and unhindered access to the purchasing power of over 300 million of the world's wealthiest and most prosperous people.
Bigger than Japan. Bigger than the United States. On your doorstep. And with the Channel Tunnel to give you direct access to it.
It's not a dream. It's not a vision. It's not some bureaucrat's plan. It's for real. And it's only five years away."
Business both large and small often did take the opportunities outlined. This contrasts with the current state of play, whereby no deal Tory leadership favourite Johnson, can say "fuck business".