New Labour and the European Union

This insightful examination of the UK-EU relationship highlights the Labour party's evolution under Tony Blair, particularly during the Amsterdam Treaty negotiations.

Originally published in 2002, New Labour and the European Union offers a significant exploration of the evolving relationship between the UK and the EU, particularly during the pivotal years of Tony Blair's leadership. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the Labour party's policy-making processes from its time in opposition to its governance, focusing on the critical intergovernmental conference (IGC) of the EU in 1996-97. By examining the negotiations that led to the Amsterdam Treaty in June 1997, the author sheds light on the dynamics of political strategy and decision-making within the party during a transformative period.

What sets New Labour and the European Union apart from existing literature is its reliance on original internal party and government sources. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the 'New Labour' paradigm that emerged under Blair, particularly regarding European policy. The text argues that this new direction was both a continuation of certain aspects of previous UK governments and a departure from the European social democratic ideals that had previously guided Labour’s pro-European stance.

Through careful analysis, the book illustrates how the Labour party redefined its approach to the EU, emphasizing the complexities of continuity and change in political ideology. The insights provided in New Labour and the European Union are invaluable for anyone interested in the intersections of UK politics and European integration, offering a detailed account of a crucial era in British political history.