Thatcher And Britain’s Relationship With Europe

Question 1

What was thatchers relations with the EEC marked by?

Answer 1

-marked by many contradictions
-occasions when her ‘handbag diplomacy’ caused consternation + ruffled consensual politics favoured by European leaders

Question 2

What was handbag diplomacy?

Answer 2

-described thatchers more abrasive style of negotiation compared to more measured + patient negotiations more usual of foreign office diplomats

Question 3

What was thatchers first priority in Europe?

Answer 3

-secure better deal for br over financial contributions to EEC
-as br paying more to EEC that was being returned in benefits

Question 4

What was the result of this top priority?

Answer 4

-her persistent campaign br given more rebate eventually achieved success 1984
-played well to her supporters at home but irritated some of her European partners

Question 5

What was thatchers relationship like witn the fr pres?

Answer 5

-Th est good relations with Fr pres Mitterrand
-cooperated closely over channel tunnel project agreed 1986 becoming symbolic link between br + fr

Question 6

What did thatcher negotiated in 1986?

Answer 6

-negotiated the single European act with other EEC members
-became most important piece of European legislation since UK joined

Question 7

That six this single European act do?

Answer 7

-changed the assembly into the European parl + mentioned possibility for future European monetary union
-for Th made a free market in Europe a reality

Question 8

What were the negatives of this act?

Answer 8

-it surrendered some elements of br sovereignty
-th ignored implications of it being an important arbiter in EEC disputes

Question 9

How did Th feel about EEC?

Answer 9

-felt Europe could easily become prey of creeping socialism + bureaucracy due to final analysis EEC not subject to genuine Dem control
-euro ministers got things done through compromise but this irritated Th