| Synopsis: |
The thesis of "Alarming Drum" is that if the EU did not exist it would have to be invented, but that if it were to be invented now, it would be nothing like the EU on offer today. In Part I, 'Misconceived Union', the EU is shown to be undemocratic, unconstitutional, ideological and a threat to British democracy and historic liberties. Alternative structures are considered which could give member states European scale and scope in domains such as commerce without suppressing the democratically expressed preferences of each state in its home affairs.In Part II, 'Misconceived Destiny', the future security and prosperity of both Britain and Europe is considered in the context of the new world order in the next half century. It becomes clear that Britain has a choice. It would do equally well outside the EU. Even so, the book calls for constructive engagement rather than disengagement. While the present EU is intolerable and unacceptable, it could be reinvented, and Britain could lead the way. If the UK takes no action, the negative impact on Britain and the British people could be profound. This is a trenchant and radical review of Britain's European dilemma. |