Details

Since the United Kingdom entered the European Union in 1973, the existence of significant domestic euro-sceptism has been well-documented. The first referendum on British membership of the European Union took place in 1975 where more than half of the British people (exactly 67%) voted to stay in the Union. Despite this, further steps towards integration, such as the currency union or participation in the Schengen area, were undertaken without British participation.

With the strengthening of the anti-EU Party UKIP as well as the euro-sceptic parts of the Conservative Party, the political, economic and social debates about Britain’s future role in the EU and a possible exit have intensified. Furthermore those debates will have a significant influence on the electoral campaigns for the next UK general election in May 2015. The constitutional debates following the Scottish independence referendum, plus the possible referendum on British membership of the European Union in 2017, will determine the political future of the United Kingdom.

We are therefore delighted that Sir John has agreed to offer us his own assessment and evaluation of these current developments in the United Kingdom. He will also comment on the current regional and global challenges that the United Kingdom faces within the EU, NATO and in the UN Security Council. We also eagerly anticipate Sir John’s views on the general development of the European Union.

Sir John Major was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1990 – 1997. During his premiership, he negotiated the Maastricht Treaty in the UK and secured a majority for it in Parliament.

PROGRAMME

18.30 h

Welcome remarks

Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering

Former President of the European Parliament

Chairman of the der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

18.45 h

Britain and the EU: In or Out?

The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

19.30 h

Discussion

Moderation:

Hans-Hartwig Blomeier

Director of the Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung in the United Kingdom

20.00 h

Drinks reception

German-English simultaneous translation

Participation by personal invitation only