Synopsis:
Will Britain leave the EU? Following the Conservative victory in the 2015 General Election, the question of Brexit a British exit from the EU is high on the political agenda. In this book, former Europe Minister Denis MacShane looks at the history of Britain s fraught relationship with Europe and shows how the possibility of Brexit has become increasingly more likely. He looks at the key personalities who shaped Britain s European policy from Churchill to Heath and Wilson to Thatcher, Blair and Cameron and the key issues of immigration and the economy which have heightened Eurosceptic feeling in the UK. Touching on one of the most divisive political issues of our times, this book will be essential reading as Britain, now with its post-election Conservative government, moves towards a referendum on Europe and considers its future place in the world.
Review:
'This is an important analysis of the forces in Britain that have led us to the exit door of Europe. For those who do not wish this to happen MacShane's book is essential reading.'Lord (Anthony) Giddens'This is an important study of the forces in Britain that could if they are not countered lead Britain out of the EU which would be bad for Britain and for Europe'Pascal Lamy, former Director, World Trade Organisation'No-one in their right mind wants, hopes or believes Brexit will happen. But it might happen by accident more than design. Denis MacShane knows more about what makes Europe tick than most and, in this important book, he explains why we should all understand how grave the situation could become.'Lord (Peter) Mandelson'A shrewd analysis of the forces shaping the British debate on the EU. The description of how Eurosceptic press works is alarming. The book is full of trenchant arguments and telling anecdotes.'Charles Grant, Centre for European Reform'I don't believe that Britain should or will leave the EU, but it is of course a disastrous possibility and Denis MacShane, with his wealth of experience on Europe, shows how it could happen unless all those who oppose it speak out forcefully.'Chris Patten'Like the Irish or Free Trade question in the past the question of Europe is today's political dividing line issue as no other. To be or not to be in the EU and on what terms is an issue that dominates endless political debate so far this century. Denis MacShane knows the Europe issue as few others. He has lived and worked in different European countries, speaks languages, and has a contacts books of politicians and journalists in most EU member states. His book argues that if we get to a referendum then Britain will vote to leave the EU. Even if you disagree or hope that no such vote will take place it is important to know the arguments and passions that have made the Brexit question important in contemporary political discourse.'Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive, RSA'Denis MacShane and I spent nearly two decades in the House of Commons disagreeing on Europe without any quarter given but at the same time I hope being friendly and respectful of each other's views. This is an important description from a pro-European of the reasons why many consider EU membership to be inimical to the future of Britain. Bill Cash MP'Brexit may not be as inevitable as Denis MacShane claims, but it is certainly a risk. To stop it, we need arguments appealing to both the heart and the head - made with conviction by people who are not afraid at the same time to acknowledge the EU's many weaknesses.'Hugo Dixon'trenchant and intelligent' --
Alex Preston, Observer
'lurid and provocative...impressively severe and thorough... feisty, adversarial and accessible' --
George Brock, Times Literary Supplement
'Witty, engrossing and enlightening... riveting and entertaining... The EU problem for the UK is going to go on, and on, and on arm yourself with Denis MacShane's book, and you'll be ahead of the game.' --
James Drew, EU Reporter
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