Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The aim of the book is to show how and why the UK has had such strained relations with the European Union (EU), culminating in the referendum decision to leave. The book argues that many of the reasons why the UK stood aside in the early years of integration, such as concerns over sovereignty, the UK's role in the world and its commitment to free trade. Through analysis of key episodes in the UK's relationship with the EU, the book shows how the UK reached the position where its citizens voted to leave before being told of the issues that would face the UK and the EU following that decision, particularly regarding post-Brexit relations with the remaining EU and its members.