Publication

This report talks about the UK’s relations with the EU following the country’s 2013 local elections. These elections brought the renegotiation of the UK’s EU membership to the forefront of British political debate. The authors explore the domestic political context in the UK; how British business itself views the prospect of a renegotiation and referendum; and whether the political and legal-institutional framework at the EU level is conducive to mutual compromise. They argue that renegotiation that results in a special status for Britain would resolve few problems, because it could lead to unilateral moves in other member states and would alienate those within Britain who are in favor of the EU.