The United Kingdom: Euroskepticism or Eurocentrism?

In lecture, Professor King introduced some interesting terms describing certain political viewpoints manifested in the UK. Terms such as euroskepticism and euroatlanticism define the historically negative view Britain held of European integration, choosing instead to look to its allies on the other side of the Atlantic. In Postwar, Judt shows how the roots of British euroskepticism stem from as early as the 1950s, before the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community. For example, the British chose to only warn the Americans when they devalued their currency in 1949, forcing the other European countries to follow suit. This decision, as well as many other exclusive Anglo-American decisions, served to show the world that England valued its future relations with America more highly than it did those with other European nations. The fact that the UK chose to stay away from the ECSC only reinforces that notion.

Of course, Britain had reason to be skeptical of Europe after World War II. While Judt explains that the British were somewhat in favor of European economic integration, they were not happy with the terms under which it was being set up. During that time period, the value of British exports was the same as the combined value of those of France, Italy, Western Germany, Norway, and Denmark. It is understandable that they would not want to hamper their economy by putting some of its resources under the control of another “High Authority.”

Even though Britain later joined the European Economic Community, and has since become a prominent member of the European Union, forms of euroskepticism are still prevalent today. For example, the UK’s rejection of the Euro can been seen as a stand against European unification. Also, the UK has been one of the US’s main allies in the war in Iraq, differencing themselves with other European countries such as France and Germany. These actions stand in contrast with its acceptance of the European Constitution of 2004, as well as Tony Blair being touted by many prominent European politicians (including France’s Sarkozy) as a good candidate for President of Europe (if such a post is created).

The question, thus, is where does the UK really stand today? Is euroskepticism still prevalent in its politics? Does it seem to value its US alliance over other European states? My answer would be that the British still seem skeptical of EU politics. British politics is widely split between pro-European and Euroskeptics. The Conservative party as a whole tends to shy away from European integration, and some Labour Party members formed a group called “Labour Against the Euro” to battle Tony Blair’s pro-European tendencies. Also, a separate political entity called the “United Kingdom Independence Party” exists, and while it may not be a major party, it does have seats in parliament. Furthermore, British newspapers and tabloids often criticize EU policies, further fueling the population’s mistrust of Europe-wide politics.

My sense of the UK, (and I have British citizenship, so I do go there quite often), is that it is a somewhat reluctant nation being pulled into European affairs by charismatic, pro-European politicians. While the general population is still skeptical about European laws and policies, the pro-European government is drawing the UK in a direction that will hopefully change the general negative attitude towards mainland Europe. However, this does not mean that the UK does not seem to value its relationship with the US over its relationship with, say, the Netherlands. Britain can be seen as one of the less “European” European countries, yet it is one with a population proud of being independent and enduring.