Helen Parr invited speaker

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Posted on 11 April 2011

Dr Helen Parr, School of Politics, International Relations and Philosophy, was an invited speaker at a conference 'From Planning to Crisis Management: Time, Futures and Politics in West Germany and Britain', at the German Historical Institute, London, (April, 2011).

Helen's paper examined planning in Britain's European policy 1964-1974. It argued that while Edward Heath is regarded as the most 'pro' European of all British Prime Ministers, it was less his vision, than a change in Britain's negotiating stance, facilitated by a transformation in Whitehall's institutional cultures, that explains British accession to the EC.

Nevertheless, there remained an enduring belief that Britain should pursue international influence, through Europe. Helen's paper stimulated debate on the nature of Britain's 'national interest', and the relative importance of high politics in explaining change.

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