To Where Is Britain Running?: The Real Need for the Brexit Referendum

Executive Summary

In the current state of political affairs in the United Kingdom, the in/out referendum has emerged as a fundamental necessity. Divisions within the main political parties regarding the UK–EU relationship have existed for a considerable period and are inherently adverse to the interests of the United Kingdom. Prime Minister David Cameron has now achieved the long sought-after and hard-fought reforms he pursued.

The remaining question, however, is whether the reform agreement will be sufficient to quell the rise of Euroscepticism. Although Euroscepticism seeks to bring control back to Britain in order to strengthen the country, it could instead lead to a separation of the nations comprising the United Kingdom and ultimately leave the UK in a much weaker position.

Thus, while the referendum is intended to address UK–EU relations and the contest between Euroscepticism and pro-European views, it may ultimately become an assessment of the very nature of the United Kingdom itself.