The issue is a particular problem for the Conservative Party, pitting its traditional, eurosceptic wing against its more pro-EU modernisers, and all four victims have been Tory leaders. Here is the trail of British leaders taken down by the Europe issue:-Margaret ThatcherThe "Iron Lady" was already weakened by the disastrous roll-out of her new "Poll Tax", but it was Britain's relationship with the nascent European Union that delivered the coup de grace. Keen to bolster her credentials among eurosceptics, she then made a famous speech against European federalism. John MajorMajor took over from Lawson as Thatcher's finance minister, overseeing Britain's doomed entry into the ERM, and replaced Thatcher after her reluctant departure. Tony BlairPolitical calm on the European front under Blair was shattered when Conservative Party leader David Cameron promised a referendum on Britain's membership in 2016.

Source: Daily Nation March 28, 2019 05:37 UTC