Book description
This edited collection explores the future options for the UK regarding
its relationship with the European Union (EU). Since Britain applied for
membership in 1961, the nature of the relationship between the UK and
the EU has been central to economic and political debate, being widely
perceived as inevitable , because withdrawal from the process would
leave Britain isolated and largely powerless. However, this book
challenges this presumption by illustrating that it could be in Britain
s long-term interest to seek positive and plausible global policy
options if it were to be released from the rigidities and constraints
imposed by aspects of EU membership (e. g. economic policy, agriculture
and fisheries, trade relations, taxation policy, labour relations,
social policy, human rights and civil liberties, foreign policy,
sovereignty and national identity) Britain might benefit from a looser
relationship. Hence, the effective choice Britain possesses is between
an essentially European future or a comprehensive global strategy.
This edited collection explores the future options for the UK regarding
its relationship with the European Union (EU). Since Britain applied for
membership in 1961, the nature of the relationship between the UK and
the EU has been central to economic and political debate, being widely
perceived as inevitable , because withdrawal from the process would
leave Britain isolated and largely powerless. However, this book
challenges this presumption by illustrating that it could be in Britain
s long-term interest to seek positive and plausible global policy
options if it were to be released from the rigidities and constraints
imposed by aspects of EU membership (e. g. economic policy, agriculture
and fisheries, trade relations, taxation policy, labour relations,
social policy, human rights and civil liberties, foreign policy,
sovereignty and national identity) Britain might benefit from a looser
relationship. Hence, the effective choice Britain possesses is between
an essentially European future or a comprehensive global strategy.
