Convergence or divergence?

Relations with Continental Europe have been a central issue in British history. Several crucial questions can be identified: first, how similar or dissimilar was Britain, objectively considered, to other European countries in respect of its economy and political culture? Secondly, how far can similarity and difference be understood in terms of convergence and divergence, or of roughly parallel tracks reflecting and sustaining longstanding differences? Thirdly, did British people feel themselves to be Europeans? Fourthly, did the British people take an informed and sympathetic interest in what…