ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes that the attempt to incorporate Europeanism into what was primarily a Thatcherite agenda proved fundamentally flawed. It explores the unfolding of distinct European crisis, its aftermath and its implications for the arguments. The chapter also explores that the events are central to understanding the continued construction of Eurosceptic Britain. The bargaining position of the Major government during the Maastricht negotiations reflected 'Britain's European dilemma'. The Eurosceptic campaign in parliament during the process of ratification of the Maastricth Treaty represented one of the most significant rebellions in parliamentary history and, alongside the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) debacle, helped destroy the credibility of the Major government. Euroscepticism can be viewed as part of the development in modern politics of populist movements that challenge the existing governing order and party system. Major emphasised a vision of the European Community as one of independent nation-states within a single market.
