Half a Century of British Politics

This volume brings together leading authorities in political science to assess 50 years of British political life from 1947. Retreat from empire to Europe, with all the adjustments which this entailed, is explored along with the changing nature of politics at home. The withdrawal of the welfare state, the persistence of poverty, along with the changing role of the state in society, are examined in terms of changing ideas and definitions. Political leadership, the changing party system, developments in the political culture, the growth in pressure group activity and the rise of the mass media are dissected to reveal critical events, trends and processes. The growing crisis in the territorial dimension of the United, or Disunited, Kingdom is discussed. Finally the impact of the information technology revolution on the scope and operation of government is assessed along with the constant urge to reform government in search of a better way.