This edited collection explores the future options for the UK regarding its relationship with the European Union (EU). Since Britain applied for membership in 1961, the nature of the relationship between the UK and the EU has been central to economic and political debate, being widely perceived as 'inevitable', because withdrawal from the process would leave Britain isolated and largely powerless. However, this book challenges this presumption by illustrating that it could be in Britain's long-term interest to seek positive and plausible global policy options if it were to be released from the rigidities and constraints imposed by aspects of EU membership (e.g. economic policy, agriculture and fisheries, trade relations, taxation policy, labour relations, social policy, human rights and civil liberties, foreign policy, sovereignty and national identity) Britain might benefit from a looser relationship. Hence, the effective choice Britain possesses is between an essentially European future or a comprehensive global strategy. Contributors include: Ruth Lea, Matthew Elliott, Patrick Minford, Ian Milne and David Lascelles.

Guild socialism has frequently been regarded as a cul-de-sac in social and economic thought. However, this work demonstrates its continued relevance. Focusing on the Douglas Social Credit movement, it examines the origin of the key ideas, gives an overview of the main theories, and discusses their subsequent history. Douglas is credited with being the author of a simple, ingenious but erroneous proposal to end depression in the inter-war years. The Social Credit Government which held power in Alberta during the middle decades of the century is equally remembered in association with Douglas. Although the Canadian party arose from an interpretation of the texts attrubuted to Douglas, its policies had little in common with the original texts. Historical documentation of the social credit phenomenon has focused almost exclusively on the Canadian experience. This work approaches the phenomenon from a different perspective. It explores the guild socialist origins of the texts and condenses the economic and social theory of the original texts.

Is there an alternative to EU membership? What if Britain left the EU? Would it be disastrous or liberating experience? What trade relationships could the UK forge outside the EU? How would economic and social policy be different? What are the implications for sovereignty and democracy? This text seeks to answer these questions through exploring the future options for Britain regarding its relationship with the European Union (EU). To the British establishment it seemed obvious that joining the process towards greater European integration would reverse the UK's post-war declining political influence and accelerate its rate of economic growth. Consequently, a recurrent theme is that UK participation in ever closer European integration is widely perceived as 'inevitable'. In contrast, this book both addresses and challenges this presumption by illustrating that a variety of alternative forms of relationship are feasible, together with outlining possible policy options that may compliment and enhance the consequences arising from the fundamental decision of how the UK determines its future.

To date, critical analysis of the EMU project has largely been advanced from the center-right spectrum of British politics. Comparable questions from the center-left have failed to find a coherent voice. Although the European fault-line cannot be characterized as a neat Left-Right issue there are noticeable divisions in opinion across British business, the trade union movement and within the Labour Party.
"Implications of the Euro" offers a unique insight into this key debate from the "center-left," eurosceptic viewpoint. This book provides a rigorous analysis of all the salient economic and political issues of concern, such as: the economics of a single currency, employment and social implications, as well as issues of sovereignty and political determination. The arguments presented in this volume highlight the emergence of a coherent alternative to deepening economic integration as a platform to build a just and equitable society.
Contributions are drawn from leadingacademics, trade union leaders and prominent politicians, both from the Labour Party and the wider progressive Left in British politics. This informative and thought provoking book will be indispensable reading for students and practitioners in economics, politics and international relations, as well as those interested in this highly contentious topic.

To date, critical analysis of the EMU project has largely been advanced from the center-right spectrum of British politics. Comparable questions from the center-left have failed to find a coherent voice. Although the European fault-line cannot be characterized as a neat Left-Right issue there are noticeable divisions in opinion across British business, the trade union movement and within the Labour Party.
"Implications of the Euro" offers a unique insight into this key debate from the "center-left," eurosceptic viewpoint. This book provides a rigorous analysis of all the salient economic and political issues of concern, such as: the economics of a single currency, employment and social implications, as well as issues of sovereignty and political determination. The arguments presented in this volume highlight the emergence of a coherent alternative to deepening economic integration as a platform to build a just and equitable society.
Contributions are drawn from leadingacademics, trade union leaders and prominent politicians, both from the Labour Party and the wider progressive Left in British politics. This informative and thought provoking book will be indispensable reading for students and practitioners in economics, politics and international relations, as well as those interested in this highly contentious topic.