Since when (and I assume you mean my contention that the EU’s ultimate goal is a single European nation)? I don’t need to borrow any books to help me this particular conclusion, Marshwarble.
My answer is since at least 2009 (when the Lisbon treaty was enacted) and arguably since 1992 when the Maastricht Treaty was signed. In fact, you can go back to the founding fathers of the EU in the 1950s. Particular note should be made of this man:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Monnet
M. Monnet was the architect of the “gradualist” approach to European integration. Knowing that the citizens of the various member nations would not countenance full integration at a stroke he suggested a “salami” approach – each change taking a small slice from national sovereignty; each slice, on its own, no big deal and only “ a little different to what already exists”. But the end game was clear from the outset.
The EU’s stated aim is “ever closer union”. The Lisbon Treaty – if you’ve read it - not only provides for that but would actually enforce it upon its members if push comes to shove. It does not take a lengthy stretch of the imagination to grasp that “ever closer union” can only mean one thing. Being “ever closer” it will not cease until that aim is achieved. Mr Cameron’s “opt out” from that clause for the UK would have been quietly ditched (if indeed it was ever intended to be provided) as soon as circumstances allowed. This lack of control over the country’s ultimate destiny was one of the principle reasons that the referendum went the way it did. Many European nations are no doubt quite content to see their countries head off down that path. Fortunately most people who bothered to vote on June 23rd were not.
If you want to dismiss my contentions, Marshy, feel free. But at least have the decency to do a bit of research before simply dismissing them out of hand.