Research Catalog

Details

Description

1. vi, 264 p.; 25 cm.

Summary

1. "Off Whitehall is a book about the politics and economics of Europe and the two men who, separately or together, will decide Britain's fate in Europe. The relationship between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown is unique in British politics and Derek Scott describes it from close quarters. The author saw both men in action, advising the Prime Minister for over six years in Downing Street. In government Blair allowed Brown unprecedented sway over domestic policies, but was determined to keep a firm grip on foreign affairs, including Europe. This book exposes some of the tension this created between the two neighbours both in Downing Street and in Whitehall.
2. It sheds much light on the contrasting working methods and temperaments of the two men, including Brown's reluctance to venture outside a narrow circle of advisers and, in particular, the impact this had on the conduct of economic policy. The debate over Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) brought these tensions to a head since it impinged on both men's sphere of influence and this was one area of economic policy the Prime Minster was not prepared to cede."
3. "This is a book by a top insider in Britain's political world. It will have a major impact on how the Blair government is viewed by commentators and historians, within and outside Britain. Advance news of the book's publication has already caused alarm in the corridors of power. This is the book that the Cabinet Office tried to suppress."--Jacket.

Subject

1. Blair, Tony, 1953-
2. Brown, Gordon, 1951-
3. Economic and Monetary Union
4. European Union > Great Britain
5. Since 1900
6. 1997-2003
7. Geschichte 1990-2003
8. Monetary policy > Great Britain > History > 20th century
9. Prime ministers > Great Britain
10. Politicians > Great Britain
11. Ministers-presidenten
12. Europese Unie
13. Great Britain > Politics and government > 1997-
14. 4.240

Genre/Form

1. History

Contents

1. Neighbours in Downing Street: Blair and Brown -- In for a pound: politics and economics in Europe -- A vision takes shape: the evolution of Europe -- The birth of a currency: earlier proposals for monetary integration -- The odd man out: shifting attitudes in Britain towards Europe -- You can be serious: the case for entering EMU -- Back to the future: the implications of globalization -- Mind the gap: the impact of EMU on its members -- Wham, bam, Uncle Sam: EMU and the world economy -- Wrong time, wrong rate: the ERM experience -- To be or not to be: should Britain enter EMU? -- It's the politics, stupid: other monetary unions -- Democracy or directorate: the political impact of EMU -- Deceiver and dreamers: the grand vision of Europe -- The art of persuasion: Tony Blair and Europe -- An untied nation: Britain's influence in the EU and beyond.

Owning institution

1. Harvard Library

Bibliography (note)

1. Includes bibliographical references (p. [249]-255) and index.

Processing action (note)

1. committed to retain