This dissertation will examine Britain’s difficult relationship with the European Union (EU), formerly the European Economic Community and Britain’s two main political parties evolving and differentiating positions on the EU. Britain applied three times in a decade to join the EU, an exercise undertaken by both Labour and the Conservative Governments, but as the integration moved from economic cooperation to a more integrated position at a state level, the debate began about Britain’s continuing membership. Within two years of joining the EU the Labour Government held a referendum on whether to leave the organisation, as divisions were rife within the Labour party. By the start of the 1990’s divisions over Europe had become far more prevalent within the Conservative Party, whilst Labour consolidated to a more pro-EU position. The continued divisions and debate show a strained relationship that came to breaking point during the 2016 EU referendum.