As part of the activities of the Jean-Monnet Chair at Glendon College led by Professor Willem Maas, Professor Michelle Cini, who teaches Political Science at Bristol University, visited Glendon College students in late September. Professor Cini is also co-editor of the Journal of Common Market Studies and the Oxford University textbook European Union Politics.
Ms. Cini had entitled her presentation: “Great Britain and the European Union: Eurosceptic or Europeanized?” To illustrate the ambivalence of more than half a century of England’s attitude to its neighbours across the Channel, Professor Cini first recalled the not always peaceful history of relations between the two political entities since the Second World War.
Great Britain has always been an “awkward partner” for Europe, to use Ms. Cini’s expression. Public debate in the media and in public opinion has never stopped since Great Britain’s initial decision not to join the European Union (EU) in the 1950s, then its change of attitude in the early 1960s. At that time, Europe, under de Gaulle’s influence, rejected Great Britain’s application for membership twice, in 1963 and 1967. Finally and belatedly, England joined the ranks of the European Community after negotiations by Prime Minister Edward Heath in 1973, which were followed by a British referendum 66% in favour of joining what was at that time called the Common Market. That membership has remained fragile ever since.
For geographical (the insular mentality of the English) and geopolitical (Atlantism and the special relationship between the United States and the British Commonwealth) reasons, and also because of English pragmatism and British political parties more inclined to political consensus, it is still hard work to ensure the success of the United Kingdom’s presence within the EU. Faith in Europe has not materialized among the English.
Today, opposing views are heard both at Westminster and in the media. Recently again, there have been backbench rebellions against England’s presence in the EU, rebellions encouraged by the ongoing Euro crisis, even though England has chosen not to be part of the currency zone, unlike about ten other countries on the continent, including Sweden and Denmark. In short, “Euroscepticism” is very alive in the United Kingdom, encouraged by major media such as The Times, The Telegraph, The Sun, The Daily Mail and The Daily Mirror. That is not insignificant!
In this situation, we cannot be surprised that English public opinion continues to oppose the country’s “Europeanization”, and that some hostility develops to the European project itself. The idea of re-negotiating the United Kingdom’s membership in Europe, so as to obtain conditions more acceptable to the British, is increasingly gaining ground as is the idea of leaving.
Over a hundred Conservative MPs have signed up in favour of the renegotiation, and some simply want to negotiate the country’s exit from the EU. On this point, it is revealing to visit the young Conservatives’ FRESH START website; among other things, they want to recover some national powers ceded to the EU in the past. An active campaign is in progress for England to withdraw from the EU, which is creating very strong tensions within Prime Minister David Cameron’s party.
In the end, over the decades, there has been some Europeanization of England. Europe has had an effect on how to be and operate in the United Kingdom, but that has not produced a change in the English attitude towards the EU. Euroscepticism among the British has always been present and seems to be increasing. Surveys indicate that public opinion is strongly divided on England’s presence within the EU. The English, as indicated by these straw polls, do not want Europe “telling them what to do”; they cling to their national sovereignty; they believe that Europe “is too expensive” for England while there is not enough money for education, economic recovery and the country’s other pressing needs.
Professor Cini sees this situation as one of great political fragility that will not be resolved in a few weeks or a few months. In the end, it is likely to cause major changes in the relationship between the United Kingdom and its neighbours on the European continent, changes which might well include a plain and simple exit from the Union.
This lecture was very much appreciated by participants because it cast a unique light on a delicate international political situation; its outcome is of relevance to Canadian interests.
By Michel Héroux
