27 episodes

You know we’re leaving the EU but this is the story of how the UK got here. Mark Mardell uncovers the fractious yet intriguing story of Britain’s relationship with the EU.

Brexit: A Love Story‪?‬ BBC Radio 4

    • News
    • 4.7 • 208 Ratings

You know we’re leaving the EU but this is the story of how the UK got here. Mark Mardell uncovers the fractious yet intriguing story of Britain’s relationship with the EU.

    25. The Purge

    25. The Purge

    Revolution is afoot in the Conservative Party - with many Tory MPs threatening to vote against the new Prime Minister's deal - while Boris Johnson himself is threatening to boot them out of the party if they do.
    Mark Mardell follows the twists and turns as this love story comes to a close.
    Email: worldatone@bbc.co.uk. Twitter: #BBCWATO

    • 18 min
    24. The Centre Cannot Hold

    24. The Centre Cannot Hold

    With problems in Parliament trying to get consensus on a withdrawal agreement, it seemed the main political parties were edging away from the centre ground. Did this leave a vacuum for a new movement?
    In 2019, more or less simultaneously, a new party started and a new campaign launched, both supporting a so-called People's Vote on any Brexit deal. The Independent Group - or Change UK, as they came to be known - was not without challenges. Neither was the People's Vote campaign. Eventually, the friction came to be personal. Mark Mardell speaks to the people involved about where it all went wrong.
    Email: worldatone@bbc.co.uk. Twitter: #BBCWATO

    • 19 min
    23. Three Strikes and You're Out!

    23. Three Strikes and You're Out!

    Emotions run high as Theresa May tries to get her Withdrawal Agreement through Parliament, and fails. Not once, not twice but three times. Meanwhile the European Research Group (ERG) grows in influence and now firmly holds Parliament in the balance. Each day seems to wear away the Conservative’s party cohesion. And while Mrs. May’s government will try again and again if necessary, there will be a cost.
    Mark Mardell takes a look behind the news reports of the day, into the meeting rooms and corridors of Westminster, and reveals the private tensions of the party’s existential crisis.
    Email: worldatone@bbc.co.uk. Twitter: #BBCWATO

    • 19 min
    22. The Spartans

    22. The Spartans

    After Theresa May's so called Chequers plan failed to impress, the Prime Minister faced another problem within her own party. A group of eurosceptics were gaining interest, members and momentum.
    The European Research Group (ERG), or the Spartans as they came to be known, had previously been a small organisation on the fringe of politics. In 2018, they fought their way to the front line. As Mark Mardell follows the twists and turns of Britain's 45 year relationship with the European Union, Mrs May must meet her newest challengers.
    Email: worldatone@bbc.co.uk. Twitter: #BBCWATO

    • 19 min
    Brexit: How did we get here?

    Brexit: How did we get here?

    In this one-off special episode of Brexit: A Love Story?, Mark Mardell recaps the journey Britain has taken from joining the European Economic Community in 1973 to voting to leave the European Union in 2016.
    Email: WATO@bbc.co.uk. Twitter: @BBCWorldatOne

    • 15 min
    21. Checkmate at Chequers

    21. Checkmate at Chequers

    After months of talks, haggling and negotiations, the Prime Minister invited the entire cabinet to her country retreat in Buckinghamshire to present her proposed deal. The mercury was running high, as were tensions; it was reported that Downing Street officials made it clear if ministers weren't happy with the deal, they could leave but would have to give up their ministerial cars and take a taxi home. Hours later, and the Chequers deal was finally done. People seemed pleased... but for how long?
    Mark Mardell revisits the events of that day and finds out from those there what really went on.
    Email: pm@bbc.co.uk Twitter: @BBCPM

    • 21 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
208 Ratings

208 Ratings

LC2902 ,

Thanks - Mark Mardell

A fascinating chronological account of the British and its relationship with the EU. As a little kid at the time of referendum of the 70’s, I have been gripped by the backstory to the utter disaster we are now wrestling with. It has illuminated many of the dusty corners I’ve either not been aware of or chosen not to piece together in today’s political and social storm. As despairing as I’ve found the last 3 years I’ve enjoyed discovering this podcast, each and every episode. Thanks to Mark Mardell. And as an aside, I could happily listen to him reading the telephone directory. A top broadcaster.

Andy WS ,

The importance of consent

The events of spring 2019 seem an awfully long time ago now and we’re living through historic times as we leave the EU so this is the excellent first draft of that history. These new episodes feature Tory MP Mark Francois discussing the importance of getting consent and how he sometimes refuses to take no for an answer.

eddierane ,

Good - but some glaring gaps

A decent go at a complex matter. Some perspectives left out.... Very BBC. Yes, we were all frustrated, but it doesnt speak to the 'northerner', if you know what i mean?

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