The European Union’s place in British foreign policy in 2010–2016

Abstract

The article examines the place of the European Union in the foreign policy of Great Britain, as well as those adopted in the period 2010–2016 documents related to British policy concerning the EU: European Union act 2011, European Union [referendum] bill 2013–2014, European Union referendum act 2015. The role of referenda in the political life of Great Britain and the impact of relations with the EU on their development are characterised. Foreign policy with the EU has long been a priority for Britain but has given the way to internal political struggle, including on the issue of participation in the Euro­ pean integration project. In the 2010s referenda began to play a large role in the political life of the United Kingdom and attempts were made to legislatively formulate a referendum on EU membership, which was done only in 2015.