Britain and Britishness at the Crossroads

Abstract

Today we find Britain and Britishness at a crossroads. Those who feel themselves to be more European in Britain share the French worry about the growing Americanisation of world commercial and cultural life. Those who fear that a European Union will damage those most precious elements of Britishness and British government would rather welcome more commercial influence from the US as a counterweight to European government. It leaves Britain with four possible avenues of development. The choice is close upon us. It will be taken wittingly or unwittingly in the few years that lie ahead.