Britain has always taken a very dim view of the European continent since the dawn of modern civilization. Firstly it was invaded by countless continental peoples firstly the Romans and then Saxons and even the Irish during the Dark Ages. Following the Reformation in England the island was under siege from the Catholic powers of Europe notably the Spanish. Following the defeat of the Spanish armada England came into itself and began a process of empire building, which it did with great success. However it choose to remain out of European politics unless its interests were under threat and when they were the British always reacted with vigour. Most notably at the Battle of Blenheim (1704) and the Battle of Waterloo (1815). Both of which helped preserve the existence of independent European states and the destruction of continental imperialists i.e. France. Between 1815 and 1904 Britain advocated a policy of "Splendid Isolation" choosing to avoid foreign alliances unless necessary. The rise of Germany before WW1 caused them to reconsider this policy and ally with France and Russia, which eventually brought them into WW1. Following the war Britain reverted to being very lukewarm on European affairs almost ignorant. This manifested itself with Neville Chamberlain's policy of appeasement towards Hitler and Mussolini. The results of which were WW2. Following the war the British Prime Minister (although out of office at the time) Winston Churchill advocated the creation of the "United States of Europe" at a speech to the University of Zurich in 1946. This speech is frequently credited with beginning the process that led to the formation of the European Union. France and Germany took the lead to create the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). However the Labour government in Britain advocated that it was not in the interests of Britain to join. Much to the anger of the Conservatives. Subsequent British attempts to enter the EEC were blocked by General de Gaulle who said the British were not good Europeans. Finally in 1973 the British entered the EEC and since then their attitude to the EU has been very mixed. In 1975 a referendum was held to decide whether or not the UK would remain within the EU. Current Europhobes like Baroness Thatcher and Rupert Murdoch advocated that Britain remain within the EU. Baroness Thatcher famous wore a sweater with the nation flags of the EU on it. Anyway now I'm rambling. To make my point now the UK is split there is a strong anti-European lobby e.g. UKIP, Michael Howard, the British media i.e. Sky News. The fact that they remain outside of the common currancy as well as playing second fiddle to the USA in world affairs. Now with the rebate up for debate its time to ask should Britain be forced to accept the Euro end the rebate and become real Europeans or leave the EU!

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So, I see you wear shoes. Me too! want to have sex?

Thanks for the history leason, but my exam was yesterday!

I think Britains Eurosceptic view is to do with the fact that she was a] never defeated by a continental power and b] because her Empire was the biggest.
Consequently, she has developed something of an 'air of superiority' over her neighbours.

Apologies for the history lesson, just needed to fill space.

Did you ever hear of the 100 years war? France whooped Britain (actually it lasted about 130 years but thats not the point).

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So, I see you wear shoes. Me too! want to have sex?

I'm split on this one myself.

On one hand I'd like to see the Brits leave the EU. That leaves us as the only english-speaking nation in the EU. That alone gives us a huge advantage in our dealings with the US, Canada, Australia and the Far East where english is the language of international diplomacy. Irish MEP's would be called upon to spearhead or be involved in detailed negotiations and would therfore have an influence upon policy that could be far greater than our size merits.

On the other hand, Britain in the EU and in the Euro. A common currency on the island of Ireland amongst other things would be a huge step in the possable re-unification of the island

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Politics is the language of freedom

Do you mean to say that British MEPs currently enjoy this advantage and that we could capitalize on it if the UK left the EU? Because I don't think they enjoy any such advantage...

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Romanes eunt domus

Is this forum not for Irish politics?

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"I hereby declare that the Continuity Executive and the Continuity Army Council are the lawful Executive and Army Council respectively of the Irish Republican Army, and that the governmental authority, delegated in the Proclamation of 1938, now resides in the Continuity Army Council, and its lawful successors."

Comdt. General Thomas Maguire

Not exclusively, no. Why have you never complained about all the threads about US politics?

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Your still posting on this partitionist web forum

The forum is for the politics in Ireland - not the 26-Counties.

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"I hereby declare that the Continuity Executive and the Continuity Army Council are the lawful Executive and Army Council respectively of the Irish Republican Army, and that the governmental authority, delegated in the Proclamation of 1938, now resides in the Continuity Army Council, and its lawful successors."

Comdt. General Thomas Maguire

I dont think the UK MEP's are completely trusted. They are too close to their former colonies (naturally) which would make Ireland the only english speaking honest broker.
I'm not saying all our problems are solved but it might mean our diplomats and politicians would have a greater degree of access to important discussions and policy making deals.
Greater access might mean a greater chance to influence events.

It's just a theory anyway.

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Politics is the language of freedom