The European Union and British Democracy - by J Mather (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book examines evolving trends in democracy at EU and UK levels, pointing out the primary shortcomings of both. It examines the relationship between the democratic practices of the EU and the UK, explaining the paradox of the way in which the EU, despite the poor quality of its own democracy, has enabled devolved decision making in a novel multilayer polity. The book also considers future prospects for converged Western European democracy in the light of the Labour government's popularising agenda.

Review Quotes

'This is a refreshing refutation of the Eurosceptic view that the EU threatens British democracy. Drawing on political theory and a wealth of empirical evidence, Janet Mather argues that the British political system is pre-democratic and that the EU provides the best prospect for revitalising European democracy as a whole. The book will provoke debate amongst all those interested in these key issues for the twenty first century.' - Michael Newman, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration Studies, University of North London

'Suggesting that Britain's democratic system is somewhat faulty but likely to benefit from the democratic requirements produced by EU integration, this book raises some important issues about a state with an ambiguous European profile. Janet Mather turns Euro-sceptic rhetoric on its head to provoke a re-appraisal of what some might see as accepted wisdom.' - Juliet Lodge, University of Leeds

'This is a refreshing refutation of the Eurosceptic view that the EU threatens British democracy. Drawing on political theory and a wealth of empirical evidence, Janet Mather argues that the British political system is pre-democratic and that the EU provides the best prospect for revitalising European democracy as a whole. The book will provoke debate amongst all those interested in these key issues for the twenty-first century.' - Michael Newman, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration Studies, University of North London

About the Author

Janet Mather is Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.