Book Description
This accessible book looks at Britain’s relations with the European Union, past, present and future, from the perspective of the debate over national interests. The failure of New Labour to define, let alone advance, these interests is seen to be a central factor in confusions over European policy and the attitudes and policies of Tony Blair receive strong criticism. This is an account that is of value to general readers and the policy-community alike, not least because it links European issues to wider questions of domestic and foreign policy, as well as Party identity and interest. Black adopts an historically-grounded Euro-sceptical approach. To understand the European question, it is necessary to look at the past, a past that Blair has sought, and failed, to explain. The European Union has failed to replace the nation as the focus for popular identity, and thus loyalty. If this is a measure of its failure, it is also a cause of it. Particular attention!
is devoted to the sleights of hand central to the European ideology. The misleading character of much of the argument offered by European enthusiasts is seen as integral, rather than peripheral, to the debate. The book covers political, economic, strategic and cultural issues.
Synopsis
This accessible book looks at Britain's relations with the European Union, past, present and future, from the perspective of the debate over national interests. The failure of New Labour to define, let alone advance, these interests is seen to be a central factor in confusions over European policy. This is an account that is of value to general readers and the policy-community alike, not least because it links European issues to wider questions of domestic and foreign policy, as well as Party identity and interest.
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