FULL CIRCLE - From Appeasement to Brexit

"Watson's passionate narrative argues that the Conservative Party has failed to learn lessons during its 80-years journey in its attitude to Europe...What Clive Watson's book seeks to achieve is to link the courageous stands of the anti-appeasement and anti-Brexit Conservative MPs"    Sir Anthony Seldon

‘This is an essential read for anyone wanting understand the Conservative Party's battles over European policy during the past 90 years. Watson brings out the irony that the EU rejected by Conservative leaders in 2016 was a Union in large part shaped by the efforts of Margaret Thatcher and John Major.’   Rt Hon Sir David Lidington KCB CBE

‘Clive Watson has written a compelling and remarkably perceptive account of the party’s long and tortured relationship with Europe — and what that has meant for Britain. Full Circle is rich in history yet strikingly relevant today: a powerful reminder of the dangers of isolationism, and of the courage of those prepared to put country, conscience and principle before party. History has no shortage of lessons. As Clive so compellingly demonstrates, the Conservative Party has a rather longer history of refusing to learn them.’   Dr Al Pinkerton – MP Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Europe

‘Full Circle tells the story of two small groups of Conservatives, 80 years apart, who were prepared to sacrifice their careers by doing what was right for the country. Clive Watson sets out their courage, and the cost they paid, with care and precision. His argument may make difficult reading for some but is persuasive and hard to dismiss. The Conservative Party should learn the lessons of its past mistakes.’   Stephen Hammond – Former Conservative MP and Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party

‘The Conservative Party has made an immense contribution to the common good of our country. Full Circle demonstrates that this only fails when ideology replaces pragmatic realism. From Appeasement to Brexit Clive Watson elegantly sets out some cautionary tales from its history that need to be heeded if the Party is to return to government and succeed.’   Rt Hon Dominic Grieve KC – Former Conservative MP

‘Watson sets out the case that the Conservative Party is at its best when it is internationalist and outward-looking but is susceptible to being nationalist and isolationist. Full Circle tells the story of what happens at such moments, and the success or failure of the Tory internationalists in defying their party's leadership to make their case.’    Rt Hon Sir David Gauke – Former Conservative MP and political commentator