The figures say it all. For every 100 paid in wages in Germany non-wage costs add on an extra 31, in France 41 and in Italy 44. In Britain, it is only 15. John Major's seventh Eurosceptical intervention occurred in an interview in February 1997 with New Yorker magazine. A nation's common heritage, culture, values and outlook are a precious source of stability.
Nationhood gives people a sense of belonging.
The government has a positive vision for the European Union as a partnership of nations. We want to be in Europe but not run by Europe. Such an aspiration remained a poignant wish-list.