« Home

Home » Politics & International Relations » Hay & Menon: European Politics » Student resources » Member States' relationship to the EU » UK

Hay & Menon: European Politics

UK

The UK chose not to join the European Community at its inception as it was felt that it would undermine its colonial economic ties, would dilute its world power status, and would disturb UK-US relations. However, following the EC's better economic performance, the UK decided to apply for membership in 1961 and 1967. On both occasions, French President de Gaulle rejected the British application as he felt the UK was too closely aligned with the US. Following the resignation of de Gaulle in 1969, the UK once again applied for membership of the EC, and was, on its third occasion, successful. The UK joined the EC on 1 January 1973. Following its membership of the EC, the UK has often been branded an 'awkward partner'. This is due to a number of differences between the British government and its European partners, including differences over the initial terms of accession, the British budgetary contributions, membership of the single currency, the decision to supranationalize justice and home affairs issues, and proposals for the harmonization of tax. Under Tony Blair's premiership, the UK has become somewhat more pro-European than it was under the divided Conservative government that preceded it.