Ever Closer Union

The British have never embraced the notion that they are "Europeans" with much enthusiasm. They are considered traditionally suspicious of foreigners and positively proud of their reputation for eccentricity. But in this book Hugh Thomas cogently argues that the advantages to Britain of free trade, monetary union, a common European defence and even a common language of diplomacy outweigh the potential threats to national tradition and sovereignty. Contrasting the British attitude to that of the rest of Europe including the ex-Communist countries, he puts forward a positive view of the European Community that may provoke debate.