An Analysis Of Eruoscepticism In The UK Since The2008Global Financial Crisis

As a member of the European Union (EU), the UK has often been seen as an "awkward partner". It has even been a country where the word "Euroscepticism" originated. Euroscepticism has constant presence in Britain since the idea of European integration was launched. It has also led to the internal splits in Britain’s two major parties-the Conservative Party and the Labour Party during the process of Britain’s participation in the European integration. With the outbreak of the2008global financial crisis, Euroscepticism became more severe in the UK. The EU economy suffered a deep recession. In response to the financial crisis, the EU pursued further integration in financial and fiscal area, including setting up the banking union and adopting the fiscal compact and imposing austerity for debt-ridden countries. When major European countries such as France and Germany quickened their step towards greater integration, the UK led the resistance to the development in the European integration. In2012, YouGov survey indicates that51%of people would vote to leave the EU if they are given the choice. The Conservative Party and the rising UK Independence Party (UKIP) have adopted radical approaches including proposing to hold an in/out referendum, which provoke the Eurosceptic movement in the UK.The UK’s Euroscepticism is shaped by political, cultural and utilitarian concerns. These factors are part of framework of the nature of Euroscepticism developed by Leconte and S(?)rensen. The thesis argues that under the impact of the financial and euro debt crisis, political, cultural and utilitarian concerns have been strengthened in the rising tensions between the UK and the EU. In UK’s domestic politics, the three dimensions of Euroscepticism interacted with each other to influence the UK’s policy-making on the EU. In addition, the populist party---the UK Independence Party has exerted influence on Britain’s party politics, partly contributing to the rise of Euroscepticism in the Conservative Party, and affecting the policies of the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats. Lastly, the thesis also argues that there are constraints to the UK’s Euroscepticism by mainstream interests which call for more balanced approach towards the EU.