UK and Europe – what next?

It is somewhat of a truism but the UK has had a difficult relationship with the European Union, and its predecessors the European Economic Community and the European Community, along many dimensions, as long-run polling data and both the announcement and result of this year’s advisory Referendum confirm. But, despite imminent exit from Union, the UK remains a European nation. So whether the country is a full member of the supranational organisation or ultimately becomes simply an observer, our relationship with Europe will continue to be a hugely significant point of departure for our external trading and political relationships. So precisely because the referendum result will allow the UK to redefine this key relationship, we are using this special issue of the Review to reconsider many of the questions to be faced in forging a new European partnership.