Made in Britain. The patriotic case for Europe and the euro

Book abstract:

Has the British identity, forged by a history of glorious victories, become trapped in our lost Empire and incapable of reinvention in a new Europe of partnerships and compromise? Can we stand shoulder to shoulder with those we previously stood toe to toe? Are there benefits to be gained in Europe where historically we only saw battles to be won?

The author Simon Buckby, an ardent campaigner for 'Britain in Europe', addresses these and many other questions in this compact yet powerful volume. Organised in five parts the book begins at home examining Britain's national identity, identifying the essence of Britishness and discussing the different sectors of British society which have traditionally been anti-Europe. The following chapter examines how these 'anti-European' feelings stem from a fear of Europe with a discussion of the country's relation with the continent mainland from the end of World War II until the present day. These fears are countered in chapter three by a broad discussion of the benefits to be had by being a member of the European club including the advantages in terms of trade, human rights and global relations. The most topical British-European issue of the decade - namely the single currency - is the focus of the next chapter that explores the economic arguments for the Euro as well as the potentially negative effects. British emotional hang-ups surrounding the surrender of sovereignty are explored in the final chapter. The reader is invited to reassess Britain's national interests and the direction in which they might be prospered with the climax of the book the suggested choice that Britain must decide whether it is to be isolated or engaged.

The book will be of interest to scholars and students in the fields of politics, economics, and European affairs and makes a valuable contribution to the debate on the Euro.

Simon Buckby is the Campaign Director of 'Britain in Europe'.