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Author: Chris Smith

How politicians used to insult each other over Europe

Updated Monday, 29 June 2026

Chris Smith discusses the tradition of political invective in debates over Europe, revealing how politicians historically used sharp rhetoric and personal attacks to challenge opponents and influence public opinion.

Find out more about The Open University's Politics courses and qualifications.

Watch the lecture below to find out how political insult became part of the language of debate over Britain’s relationship with Europe.

Transcript (PDF document177.8 KB) .

 

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