To date, critical analysis of the EMU project has largely been advanced from the centre-right spectrum of British politics. Comparable questions from the centre-left have failed to find a coherent voice. Although, the European fault-line cannot be characterized as a neat Left-Right issue there are noticeable divisions in opinion across British business, the trade union movement and within the Labour Party.
Offering a unique insight into this key debate from the ‘centre-left’, eurosceptic view point, this book provides a rigorous analysis of all the salient economic and political issues of concern, such as:
* the economics of a single currency
* employment and social implications
* political determination.
The arguments presented in this volume highlight the emergence of a coherent alternative to deepening economic integration as a platform to build a just and equitable society.
Contributions are drawn from leading academics, trade union leaders and prominent politicians, both from the Labour Party and the wider progressive Left in British politics. This informative and thought provoking book will be indispensable reading for students and practitioners in economics, politics and international relations, as well as those interested in this highly contentious topic.
List of Figures List of Tables Glossary List of Contributors Acknowledgements Preface Foreword The Left and The Euro The Great Debate: The Labour Party and European Integration Part 1: The Economics Of A Single Currency Economic Consequences of EMU For Britain Economic Performance and The Euro What Type of European Monetary Union? The Euro: An Outsider's Perspective The ECB in Theory and Practice The Left Must Wake Up – Europe Isn’t Working A Post-Keynesian Strategy for The UK Economy Part 2: Employment And Social Aspects Of EMU The European Social Model: Myth or Reality? Voting No – The Euro and Labour Voters What Future in The EU? Hooked To The Falling Stars A Safe European Home? British Trade Unions and EMU: Natural Supporters or Conflicting Interests? The European Social Model: Between a Rock and a Hard Place? Part 3: Sovereignty and Political Determination How The Euro Threatens The Well-Being of The Planet and its People EMU and British Sovereignty Euro Versus The People The Establishment of a Commonwealth of Europe Fighting Against Federalism Rediscovering Progressive Economic Policy Outside EMU Bibliography