Introduction

Abstract

The UK-EU relationship is a troubled one. The reasons are usually explained with reference to international relations and party politics. The fact that the issue is frequently discussed under the heading ‘Britain and Europe’ is, however, an indication that British Euroscepticism has a strong cultural component. Britain is seen to be different from Europe. The nature and history of this perception of separation will be examined in the following four chapters. This introduction initiates the discussion by providing a brief analysis of devolution in the UK. Devolution has highlighted that ‘Britain’ must not be confused with England ; that feelings of cultural separation tend to be tenacious and that British Euroscepticism might be English Euroscepticism.