Continental Drift Tales from Europe’s Longest-Serving MEP
From its hopeful entry into the European project in 1973 to the bitterness of Brexit, the UK’s relationship with the EU has always been a tumultuous one. Bill Newton Dunn charts these shifting tides in this vivid, personal account of a political life spent at the heart of the European Parliament as its longest-serving MEP.
With his dry wit and unsparing honesty, Newton Dunn brings to life the dramas, debates and diplomatic showdowns that marked a turbulent era, whether it be Thatcher demanding Britain’s money back, cross-border crime or interpreters’ strikes. Along the way, he chronicles the currents of Euroscepticism, the complex dance between Westminster and Brussels and the hard-fought efforts to further European unity.
But more than just a political history, Continental Drift is rich with behind-the-scenes stories, sharp observations and colourful pen portraits of the characters who shaped Europe, from British premiers and fiery backbenchers to European visionaries and bureaucratic bruisers, not to mention impassioned Communists and rumoured mafiosi. Perhaps most crucially, this lively memoir offers a peek behind the curtain to show what it really means to be an MEP.
Candid, compelling and frequently funny, this is a timely reflection on the UK’s place in Europe and what was lost when the flag came down.
Reviews
“As an MEP, Bill Newton Dunn was passionate, articulate and funny. This book has those qualities in spades.”
Stanley Johnson, Conservative MEP 1979–84
“Bill Newton Dunn almost certainly has more experience of the European Parliament than any other British politician. His book is an intelligent and thoughtful account of our country’s relationship with the rest of Europe.”
Chris Patten, chairman of the Conservative Party 1990–92 and European Commissioner 1999–2004
“No one knows the inner workings of the EU as well as veteran MEP Bill Newton Dunn. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand an institution of which Britain is sadly no longer part but which continues to exert great influence over the continent we inhabit.”
Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister 2010–15
“Bill was always a good friend and political ally in the European cause.”
Kenneth Clarke, Chancellor of the Exchequer 1993–97
“No one knows better the politics of Britain’s negotiations with Europe. Truly an insider’s account.”
Norman Fowler, Health and Social Services Secretary 1981–87 and chairman of the Conservative Party 1992–94
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- Hardback, 480 pages
- ISBN: 9781837360383
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12 November 2026
Available to pre-order - £25.00
- eBook
- ISBN: 9781837360475
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12 November 2026
Available to pre-order - £19.99