The Battle for British Entry into the European Community, 1971-72

This book offers a new perspective on the parliamentary battle for British entry into the European Community (EC) – the forerunner of the EU. It provides a historical case study of how the whipping operation, overseen by the Chief Whip Francis Pym, played a critical role in securing EC entry in 1971-72. More specifically, it explores how the Conservative Government’s Whips’ Office managed dissent through the concept of ‘loyal dissent,’ a party management approach characterised by tolerance and respect for dissenting views. It addresses key themes that remain relevant in British politics today: how does a whipping operation resolve the tension between toleration of dissent, the imperatives of party loyalty and the overriding objective of consistently securing government majorities in the division lobbies? What subtle or indirect methods of party management can be employed to minimise or nullify dissent, without recourse to punitive sanctions? Is respect for individual conscience the best means of avoiding damaging party splits on controversial and divisive issues?