The European Union and British Democracy: Towards Convergence

by J. Mather

Overview

This book examines evolving trends in democracy at EU and UK levels, pointing out the primary shortcomings of both. It examines the relationship between the democratic practices of the EU and the UK, explaining the paradox of the way in which the EU, despite the poor quality of its own democracy, has enabled devolved decision making in a novel multilayer polity. The book also considers future prospects for converged Western European democracy in the light of the Labour government's popularising agenda.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333776483
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	09/08/2000
Edition description:	2000
Pages:	230
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x (d)

About the Author

Janet Mather is Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements List of Figures List of Abbreviations Introduction Why Democracy? Pre-Blairite Democracy in Britain The UK, The EU and The Legitimacy Deficit Power and the European Parliament Democracy and the European Parliament The EU: Vehicle for Participatory Democracy The EU's Options for Participatory Democracy The EU in Britain: Towards Multi-Level Governance Converging Democracy: Blair's Britain and the EU Conclusion: Snapshots and Photographs Bibliography Index

Editorial Reviews

'This is a refreshing refutation of the Eurosceptic view that the EU threatens British democracy. Drawing on political theory and a wealth of empirical evidence, Janet Mather argues that the British political system is pre-democratic and that the EU provides the best prospect for revitalising European democracy as a whole. The book will provoke debate amongst all those interested in these key issues for the twenty first century.' - Michael Newman, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration Studies, University of North London

'Suggesting that Britain's democratic system is somewhat faulty but likely to benefit from the democratic requirements produced by EU integration, this book raises some important issues about a state with an ambiguous European profile. Janet Mather turns Euro-sceptic rhetoric on its head to provoke a re-appraisal of what some might see as accepted wisdom.' - Juliet Lodge, University of Leeds

'This is a refreshing refutation of the Eurosceptic view that the EU threatens British democracy. Drawing on political theory and a wealth of empirical evidence, Janet Mather argues that the British political system is pre-democratic and that the EU provides the best prospect for revitalising European democracy as a whole. The book will provoke debate amongst all those interested in these key issues for the twenty-first century.' - Michael Newman, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration Studies, University of North London

From the Publisher

This book adopts both empirical and theoretical approaches, applying abstract theoretical arguments about democracy and its outcomes to detailed policy material. In contrast to more broadly based commentaries, it takes a localist approach focusing on the effects of EU membership on non-professional politicians and decision-makers. Much of the material is taken from primary sources and based on case- studies. In addition, the book assess the impact of recent developments and comments on the Blairite constitutional agenda in relation to EU evolution. Mather teaches politics and philosophy at the Manchester Metropolitan University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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