EU consists of 27 European countries with 447 million people. EU area is 4,233,255.3 km2. UK has left EU but may re-enter in future
British political parties emerged in 1678-1681 during Exclusion Crisis. Whigs represented liberal aristocracy, Tories supported traditional monarchism. Labour Party gained power in 1929, alternating with Conservatives until 2010
Ireland and UK connected since 1542 through Protestant colonization. Ireland gained independence in 1922, partitioned into Irish Free State and Northern Ireland. Ireland became Republic in 1937, ending Commonwealth membership. Anglo-Irish Trade War (1932-1938) resolved through tariff protection
UK joined European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973. De Gaulle vetoed UK's 1963 and 1967 applications due to agricultural differences. UK's first referendum in 1975 resulted in 67.2% support for staying
Born in 1956 in Eastbourne, Sussex, to a Church of England clergyman. Graduated from Oxford University's St Hugh's College in 1977. Worked at Bank of England and APACS before becoming MP for Maidenhead
UK joined EU in 1973, becoming only member state to withdraw. 1975 referendum showed 67.2% support for continued EC membership. Eurosceptic groups existed throughout UK's EU membership period