A Dictionary of British and Irish History

M

MAASTRICHT, TREATY OF

Agreed on 10 Dec. 1991 at Maastricht, Netherlands, by the European Council of Heads of State or Government (signed 7 Feb. 1992). The treaty combined the European Economic Community, renamed as the ‘European Community’ (EC), with new common foreign and security policies, and police and judicial co‐operation, as the European Union (EU). The powers of EEC institutions were enhanced, and the EU gained additional authority in some policy areas (e.g., employment). Provision was made for a central bank and common currency. John MAJOR (prime minister) negotiated ‘opt‐outs’ for the UK from the currency and employment ‘social chapter’ (regulations). The treaty was soon approved in the Republic of Ireland by a referendum (18 June 1992), but opposition in several countries delayed implementation (until 1 Nov. 1993).

In the UK, despite the ‘opt‐outs’, strong opposition developed within the parliamentary Conservative Party, especially after the Party’s return to government at the April 1992 general election. The treaty was ratified by the House of Commons by only three votes (4 Nov.). Continuing division among Conservatives over the EU (especially its currency) undermined Major’s premiership, leading to election victory for Labour (1997). See also EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY/EUROPEAN UNION, IMPACT ON BRITISH POLITICS.

MABINOGI, Y

(Welsh, meaning ‘The Tale of Youth’). Middle Welsh prose tales, composed c.1050–1120, which survive in the RED BOOK OF HERGEST and ...