Britain's relationship with the European Union (EU) is frequently viewed as simple by the media and politicians. In ways - never really explained - the EU has managed to 'take away' Britain's sovereign powers and has the ability to determine much of its legislation. The history of how this has occurred is never discussed, unlike other countries in Europe.How Europe shapes British public policy examines the development of the EU as a sectarian issue in the UK. It discusses the effects of disengagement through the political practices of policy making and the implications that this has had for depoliticisation in government and the civil service. It considers the effects of EU membership in shaping key policy areas - trade and privatisation, the single market and the environment, and subsidiarity in the development and implementation of devolved and decentralised governance.This book gives new and essential insights for students and practitioners of politics, governance and international relations.

"Morphet makes a sophisticated argument around the differences in British and EU public policy-making. This analysis forms the rump of her book, and it is impressive in both its scope and depth." LSE Review of Books
“There is a huge amount to learn from reading Janice Morphet’s fascinating and provocative book. Whether you are a critic or supporter of the European Union, you should sit up and take notice of this account of its importance for policy making in Britain.” Peter John, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, University College London

Janice Morphet is a Visiting Professor at the Bartlett School of Planning, UCL and consultant. She has extensive experience at all scales of governance and was formerly a local authority Chief Executive, Central Government senior adviser on local government, local authority association adviser on EU environmental policy and head of a planning school. Janice has written extensively about local government, planning and the EU.