Thursday

28th Mar 2024

Thatcher seeks alternatives to full EU membership

The time has come for Britain to seek alternatives to full membership of the European Union, Baroness Thatcher argues in her new book Statecraft. Lady Thatcher urges an incoming Conservative government to seek fundamental renegotiation of Britain’s terms of EU membership. "The objectives would be a withdrawal from the CAP, an end to our adherence to the common fisheries policy, withdrawal from all the entanglements of a common foreign and security policy and a reassertion of control of our trade policy," she argues in the book.

No departure from the EU

Lady Thatcher insists that such a policy need not result in British departure from the EU, which "needs us more than we need them". Instead, she argues that Britain's status as the world's fourth largest economy, combined with its strategic importance and strong links with Europe, means that the EU "will need co-operative relations with Britain."

Looks to the alternatives

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Lady Thatcher is concerned that the current situation could lead to the establishment of two rival trading blocks - the EU and Nafta - that become increasingly protectionist. She argues, in what is described as her swan-song book, passionately for Britain to look to the US as its partner in most diplomatic issues, describing it as the "essential" relationship for Britain.

Politicians must look for alternatives to continued EU membership, she argues. These include Britain opting out of the wider EU and seeking membership only of a European economic free trade area, and joining the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Tory leader reads with interest

Lady Thatcher's comments may embarrass Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith who has tried to play down the Europe debate. As many as 30 Tory MPs would probably privately support her line.

Mr Duncan Smith's spokesman said she had done the party the courtesy of sending an advance copy of the book which would be read with interest.

Analysis

Thatcher's European legacy

From her days in opposition to her sudden and dramatic demise, Europe was at the heart of Margaret Thatcher's 11 years as British Prime Minister.

Pressure on Tory leader to renounce Thatcher

Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith is facing pressure to distant himself from former prime minister Lady Thatcher's stance on Europe, reports the Times. A Times survey of more than 100 constituency chairmen found that more than two thirds regarded Lady Thatcher's views, which is outlined in her latest book Statecraft, as impractical and outmoded.

Opinion

EU Modernisation Fund: an open door for fossil gas in Romania

Among the largest sources of financing for energy transition of central and eastern European countries, the €60bn Modernisation Fund remains far from the public eye. And perhaps that's one reason it is often used for financing fossil gas projects.

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