Britain Becomes Even More Wary of Unity

The United Kingdom moved cautiously on EU integration, retaining the pound and rejecting the euro as common currency. By opting out of the euro, Britain maintained the ability to print money and set interest rates. “Yet, as a member of the bloc, Britain has agreed to bind itself to regional regulations, employment laws and legal rulings, in exchange for a stronger voice in European affairs and privileged access to hundreds of millions of continental consumers,” reports Anthony Faiola for the Washington Post. Some British lawmakers urged a referendum on the nation’s exit from the union. The move was blocked, but is part of anti-EU sentiment adding pressure for Prime Minister David Cameron; he urges a relationship that’s more network than integrated bloc, reports Faiola. Resentment and isolationist pressures are building in France, Denmark and other European nations, too. One observer notes the crisis is socially and culturally divisive even while forcing integration for financial rescue. – YaleGlobal