The UK government’s review of EU competences offers valuable academic insights into both Britain and the EU

The British government’s ‘Review of the Balance of Competences’ into the European Union’s role in British life is surrounded by political tensions. Tim Oliver argues that beyond the controversy, the review also offers a unique insight into the operation of British government, the politics of the UK’s coalition government, UK-EU relations, and the evolution of the EU. Academics may well look back in future years at the review as a useful opportunity to study both the UK and European integration.