How to Lose a Referendum: The Definitive Story of Why the UK Voted for Brexit

(Hardback)

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In this definitive account of the momentous In/Out referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union, Sky News Senior Political Correspondent Jason Farrell teams up with blogger and Economics and Politics teacher Paul Goldsmith to provide the definitive explanation of what led to one of the biggest shocks in political history - Brexit. The product of extensive and refreshingly frank interviews with the key players in both campaigns, coupled with a thorough exploration of the historical decisions that led to Britain's departure, How to Lose a Referendum takes us from the creation of the European Union after the Second World War to David Cameron's renegotiation in 2016 and its astonishing aftermath. It looks at what went wrong with the EU brand, the treaties and the changes and consequences that came with them, and asks why a project designed to promote peace and prosperity was ultimately so hard to defend. Along the way, Farrell and Goldsmith identify twelve key reasons why the UK chose to leave.In each case whether it be an individual like Nigel Farage, social change such as the rise of a disaffected electorate, or the failure of the remainers' message to hit home - the authors dig deep to get to the root of the issue.

Reviews

"If you want an easy explanation for why we voted for Brexit, then look elsewhere. Yes, this book is pacy and punchy. But it's also a subtle and sophisticated take on how history, chance and a cast of key players all combined to create the perfect storm that hit the UK on 23 June 2016." - Professor Tim Bale, Queen Mary University of London; "This compelling and thoughtful book tells us how and, more importantly, why Brexit happened. The drama is all there and so is the historic context of Britain's troubles with Europe. A must-read." - Adam Boulton; "I can't read enough about this topic, the absolute turning point of modern politics. This book is a very valuable volume. Well researched, well written, challenging and important." - Daniel Finkelstein; To understand the volatility of Britains present political predicament, it is vital to understand the revolution that took us here. Jason Farrell and Paul Goldsmiths How to Lose a Referendum explains, with a seventy-year historical sweep and detailed cultural context, why Britain will never be the same again, in a first-class and highly readable Brexit book like no other. - Sam Coates, The Times

Author Bio

Jason Farrell is a Senior Political Correspondent for Sky News, where he reports on all major political developments, including Brexit. Paul Goldsmith teaches politics and economics at Latymer Upper School in London. He also writes the celebrated Goldblog, where he comments daily on politics and economics.