The Worm in the Apple: A History of the Conservative Party and Europe from Churchill to Cameron

The Conservative Party has been in power for 47 of the 65 years since the end of the Second World War, with the division over Europe being an enduring drama. This discontent turned the party and electorate against British membership of the EU, leading to the UK's vote to leave in 2016.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Haus Publishing

The Conservative Party has held a dominant position in British politics for over four decades, spanning 47 out of the 65 years since the end of World War II. Throughout this period, the party has grappled with a persistent division over Europe, which has played out as an enduring drama in the country's political landscape. From the decision of Churchill not to join the original European Coal and Steel Community in 1951 to the recent decision of Cameron to hold an In/Out referendum in 2016, the issue of Europe has consistently shaped British politics. While other leaders came and went, the underlying tension and discontent surrounding Europe remained a constant presence, often overshadowing other policy matters and causing instability in foreign policy, corroding the body politic, and even leading to the downfall of several party leaders.

This persistent division within the Conservative Party bred a deep-seated discontent that gradually turned both the party and a significant section of the electorate against British membership in the European Union. The worm in the apple, as this discontent came to be known, gnawed away at the foundations of support for the EU, creating a sense of dissatisfaction and frustration that ultimately led to the country's vote to leave the EU in 2016.

While The Worm in the Apple does not provide a comprehensive account of the entire Brexit story, it does shed light on the crucial arguments and divisions within the Conservative Party that played a significant role in shaping Britain's decision to leave the EU. Understanding these factors is essential in comprehending the complex and multifaceted reasons behind the country's departure from the European Union.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 166 x 242 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913368531