What Next?: Britain's Future in Europe

by Peter Wilding

Overview

Peter Wilding offers an arresting answer, plotting out a new course for Britain's troubled relationship with Europe. He channels the pride Britain draws from its heritage through the prejudice Britain has historically had against Europe, and proposes a new popular-based platform for British influence in Europe: 'smart power'. Wilding identifies how British leaders from Pitt to Cameron have attempted to use exactly this 'smart power' in their approach to Europe. He tells the story of their shared experiences in forging Churchill's strategy - a long-term plan which put Britain at the heart of Europe and the Commonwealth and alongside the United States - and applies it to Britain today. Outlining a new approach for Britain's leaders, Wilding proposes a new, positive vision to position Britain in a fast-changing and fractured world. His book will provide valuable new perspectives on the debate about what Britain does next after the EU referendum.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784537593
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/30/2016
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Peter Wilding is the Founder and Chair of the think tank British Influence. He has worked in European affairs for over twenty years, including practicing and lecturing as a solicitor in EU law. He has previously been Head of Media for the Conservative Party in the European Parliament, Director of CabinetDN, a Brussels public affairs consultancy, and Europe Director for BSkyB.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Introduction 1

Could do better 1

1 Pride: Churchill's Vision 7

Allies and influence: Churchill's three circles 8

Narrower still and narrower: The British dilemma 9

Forging the three circles: The road to Suez 13

Decline and fall: Suez, 1956 28

End of the three circles? 29

2 Prejudice: From Macmillan to Cameron 31

Forgetting the three circles: The road to 'In' 32

Churchill revisited: A new vision for Britain's relationship with Europe, the US and the Commonwealth 38

Smart power 40

The Bruges vision 50

The continental vision 52

The Blair vision 56

Decline and fall: Brexit 2016 60

3 Power: What Next? 65

The end of the beginning for Britain 66

The beginning of the end for the EU? 71

Britain, Europe and the world 73

The prize 75

A Smart Brexit 'grand strategy' 78

The grand strategy of a united Europe: the Councils of Europe 80

The three pillars 84

Prosperity in action 95

Conclusion 102

Notes 107

Index 115

Editorial Reviews

‘In the ugly EU referendum campaign, many were persuaded to vote Leave in order that Britain might ‘take back control’ of its destiny. In this stimulating book, Peter Wilding suggests that they had it back to front. Reviewing the sad history of our psychodrama with the European Union, he argues that Britain can best represent its own interests, and best contribute to the stability and prosperity of its neighbourhood, by the energetic deployment of its formidable assets behind a clear vision of Europe and of Britain’s place in Europe.’

Anthony Cary CMG

‘The result means that Britain is still part of the continent and with a significant, even leading role to play.. But to achieve any grand strategy after a bruising campaign requires vision. I can think of few people more knowledgeable of Britain’s tetchy relationship with Europe and therefore better able to sketch what that vision can be than Peter Wilding.’

Vicky Pryce

‘Peter Wilding’s provocative take on Britain’s complex relationship with the EU includes some profound historical analysis, especially on the European philosophies of Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. He reminds us that both were, at least some of the time, passionately engaged Prime Ministers. Inspired by those two greats, Wilding sets out a patriotic and positive agenda for Britain to lead in Europe.’

Charles Grant

‘Peter Wilding’s What Next? is a welcome overview of Britain’s troubled and tumultuous relations with the rest of Europe, all the more welcome coming, as it does, just after a raucous and dispiriting referendum campaign. It reminds us that the essential part is to make a success of the follow-up on which Peter Wilding produces some thought-provoking ideas.’

David (Lord) Hannay

‘Peter Wilding thinks positively. Written from a ring-side-seat, his account of what’s gone wrong, and how to put it right, makes timely and compelling reading.’

John (Lord) Kerr