During 1990 to 2007 there was a split between the governments of John Major and Tony Blair over the issue of Europe because of Thatchers legacy as she strongly opposed further integration into Europe.

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'Controversy over the involvement with the EU was not based on the principle of membership; the real quarrel was about further integration'. How valid is this assessment of the reasons why Britain's relations with Europe were so contentious in the years 1990-2007

During 1990 to 2007 there was a split between the governments of John Major and Tony Blair over the issue of Europe because of Thatcher's legacy as she strongly opposed further integration into Europe. Major knew he had to pacify the powerful euro-sceptics within his party, including Thatcher, signing the Maastricht treaty; he didn't fully integrate, placing opt-outs on the treaty for Britain. Nonetheless he wanted Britain to be at the "heart of Europe", sacrificing party unity for integration into Europe by ratifying the Maastricht treaty in 1992. On the other hand, Tony Blair from 1997 made sure Britain wasn't "isolated or left behind" and played a prominent role in European affairs, taking lead roles in negotiations and genuinely wanted Britain integrated into the EU, seeing himself as the future leader. Despite Tony Blair's enthusiasm, Euro-sceptics believe Britain would benefit from being outside of Europe and cement ties with the Commonwealth and America, this group were powerful