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What has been the impact of the European Union on UK political parties and pressure groups?
Political Parties
The two main parties have switched positions with regard to Europe:
- Labour was hostile towards Europe and is now pro-Europe
- Conservatives were pro-Europe but are now dominated by Euro-scepticism.
The Liberal Democrats have maintained a consistent pro-Europe stance.
The two main parties have been split over Europe:
Conservatives
- Europe split apparent 1979 onwards
- Thatcher fell out with Lawson and Howe over Europe
- Euro-sceptic stance of IDS and Hague caused division with pro Europeans such as Clarke.
- Europe related divisions meant votes have been lost to other anti-Europe parties such as UKIP
- Recent divisions responsible for 1997 and 2001 defeats.
Labour
- Referendum held in 1975 because of divisions over whether to remain in EU
- Suffered 1979 Tory victory because of divisions over Europe
- In 1983 SDP break away from party
- Less division under Blair however there is a fear of MPs rebelling over the single currency. No firm decision on it has helped Blair.
Europe is an issue which shows a lack of consensus between parties:
- Labour signed the Social Chapter after Conservatives opt out
- Labour signalled we will join the Euro eventually
- Conservatives have had election campaigns such as ‘save the pound’
- Hague promised no Euro for two parliaments.
- SNP and Plaid Cymru tend to favour Europe as it supports the nationalist viewpoint and makes the argument more credible.
Pressure Groups
Pressure groups have had to adapt to Europe:
- Need to target different institutions to influence the proposals.
- Adapt to new languages
- Different operating processes
- Have set up offices in Brussels to target European institutions with greater ease.
Many decisions on agriculture and transport are now made in Europe so pressure groups must change their focus towards Europe.
Europe is generally more open to pressure groups.
Comments
These notes are aimed at people studying for Edexcel A Level Government and Politics, unit 6A.
Originally submitted by happydinosaur on TSR Forums.
