Cross Party Divisions over the EU Flashcards
What has been the Labour and Conservative parties’ stance on the EU?
No Consistent Policy – Both Labour and Conservatives have been split on Europe since the 1950s, with pro-EU and anti-EU factions in each party.
During the three bids (1970s ish), how did the conservatives align themselves?
✅ Pro-Europe – Leadership supported integration.
❌ Anti-Europe – Figures like Teddy Taylor were sidelined.
What speech strengthened conservative Euroscepticism?
Thatcher’s 1988 Bruges Speech
During the three bids (1970s ish), how did the Labour Party align themselves?
Labour was deeply divided over Europe in the 1960s and 1970s. Many in the party were against joining the European Community (EC), worrying it would weaken British control, hurt workers’ rights, and harm the economy.
After Labour’s big election loss in 1983, they stopped focusing on the EC and worked on rebuilding the party instead. Some politicians tried to team up across party lines to oppose the EC, but these efforts failed. However, two key anti-EC groups emerged: Keep Britain Out (1962) and Common Market Safeguards Campaign (1970).
What was the difference between Labour and Conservative euroscepticism?
🔹 Conservative Euroscepticism – Focused on sovereignty and centralization in Brussels.
🔹 Labour Euroscepticism – Rooted in left-wing opposition to capitalism and loss of national control.
⚖️ Key Difference – Conservatives opposed EU economic control; Labour objected to capitalist influence.
How do Conservatives and Labour feel about EU membership today?
Conservatives: Pro-Brexit but split between hard Brexiteers (full separation) and soft Brexiteers (closer EU ties).
Labour: Pro-EU, seeking a “reset” in relations but not advocating to rejoin.
