Britain and Europe: Europe and/or America?

Government policy on Iraq meant a tense year for Labour. International politics dominated in the early months of 2003 and Blair's preference for Atlanticism had a corrosive effect upon European relations. The government contradicted much of its earlier EU approach and generated a strained atmosphere at EU summits. This positioning between Europe and America did not succeed. The 'wait and see' strategy for membership of the euro appeased a sceptical electorate but frustrated the business community. The Conservatives tempered their reactions to the EMU for the sake of party unity, although the replacement of lain Duncan Smith by Michael Howard suggests a more robust European policy in the future. Discussion of the draft EU Constitution simmered in the background during 2003, with predictable soundbites from all parties, and is more likely to be the European issue next year. 2003 was the year in which Blair's European strategy tried to appeal to all, but satisfied few except America.