Britain rethinks its opposition to a two-tier Europe

"Ever since it joined, British policy has been based on the imperative of being in the room when important matters are discussed, so that Britain could either stop things happening or shape outcomes that suit Britain," said Charles Grant of the CER. "However, over the past year, it has become apparent that a new principle has emerged: to encourage the others to integrate, while we stand back, leave the room and adopt a semidetached relationship with our partners"  ... But Mr Grant at the CER contends something more than architectural adjustments may be under way. He says there is a 50 percent chance of Britain’s leaving the bloc by the end of the decade.