History and Influence of Euroscepticism on British Politics

Euroscepticism is a long-standing trend in British history that has exerted an influence on British political life. This study examines the reasons why David Cameron, Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party, has recently pursued an avowed form of Eurosceptic foreign policy. Existing research on the attitudes of the British towards Europe espouses various positions, but reaches a consensus that Euroscepticism is widespread in British politics. Political resistance to European integration in the UK laid important ideological foundations for contemporary English nationalism and nationalistic parties such as the UK Independence Party. The party's roots lie in the general popular and elite antipathy towards the European Union, and it has proved capable of attracting considerable electoral support in European Parliament and local elections. It has the potential to influence the policies of the major political parties, and could prove a potential danger to the future British-EU relationship.