Britain has always had a difficult relationship with the European Union, initially refusing to become a member before reluctantly joining, it seems there is a level of mistrust towards the European Union European policies. I will explore this mistrust in this essay. This essay will also provide an overview of the history of Britain and the EU and identify any changes in the British Government's policies since it became a member. For many people in Britain, the EU remains an inhospitable aspect of their lives, reflecting an aversion to "all things European." Mannin states: “The European Union (EU) is a unique partnership in which countries work closely together for the benefit of all their citizens” (2010, p.343). People may believe that the UK is different from other countries and that it joins the EU Britain will lose its identity and, by working closely with other countries, also its independence. The tabloid press has always apparently had a very negative view of the EU, The Sun reported that the Labor Party had betrayed Britain; the article identifies the EU's weaknesses and argues that Gordon Brown ceded our country to Europe by transferring British power. (2009) Due to the apparent unpopularity of the EU, politicians may find it difficult to show enthusiasm as it could prove to be a disadvantage in an election. Jones et al, (2006, p.803) believe that people's opinion on the EU is very important, and which politicians take into account, they state that “UK public opinion on European issues must be taken into account consideration. The difficulty is that many members of the public view the EU as remote until there is a perceived threat to British life, such as the abolition of the pound if the government were to join the EMU. .. half of the paper ...... E., (2005) Should Britain leave the EU?: an economic analysis of a troubled relationship. 1st ed. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited• Johnston, P., (2009) EU: Is Britain still a sovereign state? Available: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/6198513/EU-is-Britain-still-a-sovereign-state.html (Accessed: 27/12/11)• Jones, A ., 2007. Great Britain and the European Union. 1st ed. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press Ltd• Jones, B., Kavanagh, D., Moran,M. and Norton, P., (2006) UK Politics. 6th ed. London: Pearson Education• Lauterpacht, E., and Greenwood, C.J., 1999. International Law Reports.1st ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.• Meikle, J., (2012) Patients put at risk by EU working time laws, doctors warn. Available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jan/12/patients-risk-eu-laws-doctors Access: 12/01/12