17 feb 1986 anni - Single European Act

Descrizione:

The Single European Act was to be the most significant act for Europe since the Treaty of Rome. It would break trade barriers between member states.

Geoffrey Howe (Deputy Prime Minister) and Nigel Lawson (leader of the Commons and her chancellor) are credited as to have persuaded Margret Thatcher to sign the Single European Act.

Thatcher expresses enthusiasm for the trading between countries-encouraging a free market. However, Thatcher was less enthusiastic about the idea of a single currency in Europe- something she discuses in the Bruges Speech at the College of Europe in 1988- "Certainly we want to see Europe more United...but it must be in a way that preserves the different traditions, parliamentary powers and sense of national pride for one's own country".

Thatcher's exact view on Europe is quite unclear, but it seems that she wanted to keep Britain's independence rather than have Britain be apart of a larger group. This can be seen in her final speech as Prime Minister in when referring to Europe, she said "we never hesitate to stand up for Britain's interests".

This ideology caused divisions within the party. No longer was it "wets" vs "drys", but "Europhile" vs "Eurosceptic". Europhiles such as Michael Heseltine would supported European ties over any other ties, having full involvement in Europe. Whilst Eurosceptics such as Enoch Powell, would put Britain's interest and independence first. This division is best seen in the Westland Affair.

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