Conclusions

Abstract

This book attempts to get to the bottom of why Britain has continued to be the ‘awkward partner’ in Europe since economic and monetary union — EMU — was put on the agenda in the 1970s. EMU has been one of the biggest issues that successive British governments have had to deal with, and one of the most contentious too, and attempts have been made by many others to provide some explanation as to why Britain has taken the particular path that is has. The spark for this book is concern that the current explanations do not get to the root of the reasons why successive British governments have said no (or a belated yes) to EMU options as they have appeared.