Overview

Is there an alternative to EU membership? What if Britain left the EU? Would it be a disastrous or liberating experience? What trade relationships could the UK forge outside the EU? How would economic and social policy be different? What are the implications for sovereignty and democracy? This text seeks to answer these questions through exploring the future options for Britain regarding its relationship with the European Union (EU). To the British establishment it seemed obvious that joining the process towards greater European integration would reverse the UK's post-war declining political influence and accelerate its rate of economic growth. Consequently, a recurrent theme is that UK participation in ever closer European integration is widely perceived as 'inevitable'. In contrast, this book both addresses and challenges this presumption by illustrating that a variety of alternative forms of relationship are feasible, together with outlining possible policy options that may complement and enhance the consequences arising from the fundamental decision of how the UK determines its future.

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9781845401924

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Britain's decision to join the (then) EEC in 1973 was a product of the age. Europe then seemed to be the future . This is no longer the case - the EU's economy is in relative secular decline. It is therefore vital for Britain's future that a full and open debate about Britain's relationship with the EU is undertaken. This new book, which comprehensively lays out the alternatives to EU membership, is a splendid and timely contribution to this debate. -- Ruth Lea, Economic Advisor, Arbuthnot Banking Group This book, appearing during the 40th Anniversary of the European Communities Act 1972, is timely. It is easy to read and tracks the history of the European Union, deals with its problems for the United Kingdom, how they might be resolved inside the EU, and makes the case for complete withdrawal. It is well worth reading. -- Lord Stoddart of Swindon The authors have done a great service with this piece of clear thinking on Britain's relationship with the EU. Euro enthusiasts have obscured the debate with so much fear creation, half-truths, and distractions that we need this book to show that Britain has a far better future away from the great European disaster. -- Austin Mitchell MP

'The authors have done a great service with this piece of clear thinking on Britain's relationship with the EU. Euro enthusiasts have obscured the debate with so much fear creation, half-truths, and distractions that we need this book to show that Britain has a far better future away from the great European disaster.' - Austin Mitchell MP 'Britain's decision to join the (then) EEC in 1973 was a product of the age. Europe then seemed to be the future . This is no longer the case - the EU's economy is in relative secular decline. It is therefore vital for Britain's future that a full and open debate about Britain's relationship with the EU is undertaken. This new book, which comprehensively lays out the alternatives to EU membership, is a splendid and timely contribution to this debate.' - Ruth Lea, Economic Advisor, Arbuthnot Banking Group. 'This book, appearing during the 40th Anniversary of the European Communities Act 1972, is timely. It is easy to read and tracks the history of the European Union, deals with its problems for the United Kingdom, how they might be resolved inside the EU, and makes the case for complete withdrawal. It is well worth reading.' - Lord Stoddart of Swindon

Author Information

Mark Baimbridge is senior lecturer in economics at the University of Bradford with research interests focusing on European integration (UK-EU relationship, monetary integration, enlargement, political integration). Philip B. Whyman is professor of economics at the University of Central Lancashire with research interests focusing on European integration and progressive economic policy alternatives. Brian Burkitt is honorary senior visiting research fellow at the University of Bradford with research interests focusing on European integration and social policy.

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