Better Off Out?

The first edition of this controversial book in 1996 significantly influenced the debate about Britain’s relationship with the rest of the European Union. Its analysis of the costs and benefits of EU membership showed that they are finely balanced: there is no basis for the claim that if Britain were to withdraw from the EU there would be ‘dire economic consequences’. This new and revised edition of Better Off Out? brings up to date the estimates made in 1996 and shows that subsequent studies have independently confirmed its conclusion that the net economic effect of EU membership is close to zero. It does not argue for Britain’s withdrawal. But, the authors say, withdrawal should ‘not be dismissed as a practical option for the nation, if membership imposes conditions that the country finds onerous’.