Part 1: Context
CHAPTER 1 Turbulence and realignment: Understanding contemporary politics in the United Kingdom
Bill Jones
CHAPTER 2 The UK, Europe, and the world
Russell Foster
CHAPTER 3 The social and economic context
Kevin Hickson and Ben Williams
Point of View… The breaking of Britain
James O’Brien
Part 2: Defining the Political World
CHAPTER 4 Ideology and the liberal tradition
Bill Jones
CHAPTER 5 Political ideas: The major parties
Bill Jones
CHAPTER 6 Political ideas: Identities and political fringes
Bill Jones
Point of View… The new working class
Claire Ainsley
Part 3: The Representative Process
CHAPTER 7 Social mobility and elites in the United Kingdom
Bill Jones
CHAPTER 8 Elections and voting
David Denver and Robert Johns
CHAPTER 9 The mass media and political communication
Bill Jones
CHAPTER 10 Gender and British politics
Isabelle Hertner
CHAPTER 11 Pressure groups
Wyn Grant
CHAPTER 12 Political Parties
Lynn Bennie
CHAPTER 13 Devolution
Russell Deacon
Point of View… The case for the centre right
David Gauke
Part 4: The Legislative Process
CHAPTER 14 The changing constitution
Philip Norton
CHAPTER 15 The House of Commons at work
Philip Norton
CHAPTER 16 The House of Commons under pressure
Philip Norton
CHAPTER 17 The House of Lords
Philip Norton
Part 5: The Executive Process
CHAPTER 18 The core executive: the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Philip Norton
CHAPTER 19 Ministers, departments and civil servants
Philip Norton
CHAPTER 20 Local government
Chris Game
CHAPTER 21 The judiciary
Philip Norton
Point of View… Our ministerial talent pool is perilously shallow: Can it be deepened?
Bill Jones
Part 6: The Policy Process
CHAPTER 22 The policymaking process
Bill Jones
CHAPTER 23 The politics of law and order
Bill Jones
CHAPTER 24 Social policy in the UK
Louise Warwick-Booth
CHAPTER 25 Economic policy
Wyn Grant
CHAPTER 26 British foreign and defence policy
Michael Clarke
CHAPTER 27 Britain and the European Union
Charlotte Galpin
CHAPTER 28 UK immigration policy in a hostile environment
Hannah Jones
Point of View… How to become a great Prime Minister
Sir Anthony Seldon
Epilogue
Bill Jones
Biography
Bill Jones is Honorary Professor of Political Studies at Liverpool Hope University, UK.
Philip Norton (Lord Norton of Louth) is Professor of Government at the University of Hull, UK.
Isabelle Hertner is Reader in the Politics of Britain in Europe, King’s College, London, UK.
"A truly comprehensive and authoritative guide on British politics written by some of the most astute commentators and political scientists on the subject. Up to date, well written, great for students starting out and useful for old hands wanting to check their facts."
Keith Dowding, Australian National University, Australia
"Politics UK provides a solid foundation on the key concepts and themes of British politics for undergraduate students at an American university. My students often begin their course with a cursory knowledge of British politics and thus I need a textbook that immerses them without overwhelming them— and Politics UK delivers exactly that. The material within each chapter of this edited volume provides the most substantial overview of British politics available while remaining accessible to students new to the subject. Of particular note are the inclusion of numerous charts, tables, figures and photographs that let my students 'see' British politics. In terms of comprehensive coverage, appropriate level of writing, helpful supplemental material and timely coverage of contemporary events, there is no better textbook on the market."
Neal Glen Jesse, Bowling Green State University, USA
“Carefully revised and thoughtfully designed with engaging exercises in mind, Politics UK offers an accessible, clear and approachable introduction to contemporary British politics. Led by key scholars in the field, its chapters seamlessly integrate critical reflections on recent developments, essential academic concepts and new points of view, enabling students and those interested in staying up-to-date to navigate a tumultuous period in British politics.”
Nora Siklodi, University of Portsmouth, UK
“Politics UK has long been the definitive book for Politics A-level and first year undergraduate students. This latest edition is better than ever, in terms of its breadth of topics, the quality of contributions and the standing of contributors. Politics UK is essential reading for anyone seeking clarity on how our political system works.”
Jon Tonge, University of Liverpool, UK
