Few Tories will enjoy looking back on 1974, but they may find it useful to study the second Wilson government and its successor, the Callaghan government, when it comes to the question of Europe. Back then, we had a government coming to power in the midst of a severe economic climate, and which sought to change the pro-European course that its predecessor had set, including by re-negotiating Britain’s relationship with the EU and by appealing to fraternal parties in France and Britain. However, it ultimately ran into blades of domestic discontent and international indifference. The question is: could this end up being the story of a Conservative government from the middle of next year?
Sure, there are key differences between then and now. For instance, Wilson headed a minority government – something which few psephologists think we’ll see next year. But let’s focus on the potential similarities for now…
Both Wilson and Callaghan thought they could appeal to the solidarity of fellow left-of-centre leaders in “Germany and Scandinavia”, much like David Cameron’s Conservatives seem to be hoping they will get an easier ride from centre-right leaders in Germany, France and Italy.
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