{"id":80,"date":"2025-08-07T20:57:53","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T20:57:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/politicsuk\/?p=80"},"modified":"2025-10-10T13:37:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T13:37:42","slug":"chapter-27","status":"publish","type":"content","link":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/politicsuk\/part-6-the-policy-process\/chapter-27\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 27"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n\tHome\n<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 27<\/h1>\n\n\n

Britain and the European Union<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Chapter Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The UK\u2019s historical relationship with the EU cannot be understood without understanding the legacy of the British Empire and the process of decolonisation after the post-war peri-od. The country\u2019s membership of the EU has been marked by domestic division over the question of Europe in both the Conservative and Labour parties. Immigration and race has become closely connected to the issue of European integration, promoted especially by the tabloid press and UKIP. While the economic crisis of 2008 and the extreme cuts to the social welfare system contributed to the vote, many middle class and affluent voters also supported Leave. Furthermore, BME voters were much more likely to vote to Remain than white workers. Attitudes to race, immigration and social liberal values also shaped the referendum result<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Learning Objectives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After reading this chapter, students should be able to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Demonstrate an understanding of Britain\u2019s historical relationship with the EU<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Assess the impact of colonialism and decolonisation in shaping Britain\u2019s relationship with the EU<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Analyse the role of race, class, and gender in the vote to leave the EU<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Quizzes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Test your knowledge with the Chapter 27 quizzes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Quiz<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n