Why did Britain not become a founder-member of the European Community in 1957? Why did the French government prevent Britain from joining the Community in the 1960s? Why, since entering the Community in 1973, have British governments so often appeared uncommitted to a European future?

This book provides an excellent and comprehensive survey of British policy towards European unity from 1929, when a French foreign minister first suggested a 'European federation', to 1992, when a British general election coincided with measures to create a 'single market' in Europe and debate over the Maastrict Treaty, with its dream of monetary and economic union.

The main focus of the book is on the development of government policy after 1945, but attention is also paid to political parties, pressure groups, the Press and public opinion. The author uses evidence from government archives, as well as the memoirs and diaries of those involved in the events.

This concise volume provides an introduction not only to the main episodes in British policy towards European unity, but also to the debates on the subject between politicians, political scientists and historians. It also seeks to provide a general explanation for British doubts about European integration, despite the country's membership of the European Community for two decades.