Through a critical examination of the relationship between the UK and the EU, this important book considers the historic and contemporary costs and benefits of EU membership, and assesses whether this has been a burden or a benefit for the British economy.

Preface; European Integration Timeline; Chapter 1 Introduction; Part 1 Britain as an Awkward Part ner; Chapter 2 Britain and the EU: A Difficult Relationship; Chapter 3 Historical Cost-Benefit Analysis of EU Membership; Chapter 4 Current EU Trends and Developments; Part 2 EMU: Theoretical Considerations; Chapter 5 An Overview of European Monetary Integration; Chapter 6 EMU Convergence; Chapter 7 The ECB and Central Bank Independence; Chapter 8 Economic Policy within EMU; Part 3 EMU: Practical Considerations; Chapter 9 Fiscal Policy Consequences of EMU; Chapter 10 The European Social Model and EMU; Chapter 11 EMU and Trade Unions; Chapter 12 The Impact of EMU upon Business; Part 4 Alternative Futures for Britain; Chapter 13 Alternative Relationships Between Britain and the EU; Chapter 14 An Independent Britain; Chapter 15 Alternative Economic Policies; Chapter 16 Conclusion;

Mark Baimbridge is Senior Lecturer in Economics in the Department of Development and Economic Studies, School of Social and International Studies, University of Bradford, UK. Philip B. Whyman is Professor of Economics in the Department of Information and Finance, Lancashire Business School, University of Central Lancashire, UK.