This chapter assesses British party policy (as expressed in general and European election manifestos) and public opinion (using Eurobarometer data) towards economic and monetary union (EMU)Economic and monetary union (EMU). It first analyses party positions and public attitudes towards EMU, with a particular focus on support and opposition towards a single European currency. The next section analyses their perceptions—as well as those of campaign and interest groups—regarding the perceived impact of Britain joining the euro. Finally, the chapter investigates party policies and public opinion regarding measures that the EU sought to use to tackle the financial and eurozone crises of the late 2000s. The chapter shows how, despite governments resisting participation in EMU, the three main parties pursued different policies. However, public opinion did not reflect this party-political divide. Instead, there was consistently strong opposition to a single currency. Arguments related to the negative impact the euro would have on British sovereignty and identity—themes that anti-euro pressure groups emphasised—had the most cut through. Finally, following the financial and eurozone crises, the British public and the political class agreed that greater financial and economic cooperation within the EU would be beneficial, but were doubtful about the merits of specific measures.

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Economic and Monetary Union

  • Stuart Smedley

摘要

This chapter assesses British party policy (as expressed in general and European election manifestos) and public opinion (using Eurobarometer data) towards economic and monetary union (EMU)Economic and monetary union (EMU). It first analyses party positions and public attitudes towards EMU, with a particular focus on support and opposition towards a single European currency. The next section analyses their perceptions—as well as those of campaign and interest groups—regarding the perceived impact of Britain joining the euro. Finally, the chapter investigates party policies and public opinion regarding measures that the EU sought to use to tackle the financial and eurozone crises of the late 2000s. The chapter shows how, despite governments resisting participation in EMU, the three main parties pursued different policies. However, public opinion did not reflect this party-political divide. Instead, there was consistently strong opposition to a single currency. Arguments related to the negative impact the euro would have on British sovereignty and identity—themes that anti-euro pressure groups emphasised—had the most cut through. Finally, following the financial and eurozone crises, the British public and the political class agreed that greater financial and economic cooperation within the EU would be beneficial, but were doubtful about the merits of specific measures.