Hand-waving as renegotiation: The UK’s (and EU’s) limited options

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has committed a future majority Conservative Government to a renegotiation of the terms of British membership of the European Union, followed by an in/out referendum. While much has been made of the political implications of a British exit, less attention has been paid to the substance of what a renegotiated settlement might amount to. Simon Usherwood argues that options for meaningful ‘repatriations’ are limited, and that it is likely that any renegotiation will be more symbol than substance.

ESO: Background information: PM promises 'proper choice' on EU after Lawson comments http://www.europeansources.info/record/pm-promises-proper-choice-on-eu-after-lawson-comments/

ESO: Background information: Europe without Britain. Assessing the Impact on the European Union of a British Withdrawal http://www.europeansources.info/record/europe-without-britain-assessing-the-impact-on-the-european-union-of-a-british-withdrawal/

ESO: Background Information: In Europe, not ruled by Europe: Tough love between Britain and the EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/in-europe-not-ruled-by-europe-tough-love-between-britain-and-the-eu/

ESO: Background Information: Debate on 31 January: Prime Minister's speech on Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/debate-on-31-january-prime-ministers-speech-on-europe/

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