British Politics: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #092

by Tony Wright

At a time when politics in Britain is experiencing unprecedented turmoil, this Very Short Introduction examines the past, present, and possible future of British politics. Tony Wright puts current events into a longer and larger perspective, ranging from political ideas to political institutions, and offering an overview of the British political tradition. Throughout, he identifies key characteristics and ideas of British politics, and investigates what makes it distinctive, while emphasizing how these characteristics are reflected in the way the political system functions.

This new edition includes key material on Brexit, analysing the divisions revealed by the Brexit vote and the extent to which Britain now has a politics of identity, and considering whether the referendum itself has fundamentally altered the constitutional landscape.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, British Literature, Political Science, Cultural

160 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR

Reviews

[Clif · Rating 3 out of 5]

This well written, informative book was not what I expected. I thought I would be reading about the mechanics of how the British parliamentary form of government operates, how many members there are, how often they come up for election, how constituencies are determined, etc.

Instead, I received an analysis of the effectiveness of British government with emphasis on its exercise of power and its responsibility to the people.

The practical difference between the British government and the American government has been the power of the ruling party in Britain to have free rein after taking a majority of the vote. The ministers, including the prime minister, are selected from the winning party and run the government without a requirement that the other party give approval to what is done. There is no limitation of the executive as we have in the U.S. and no independent vote for the prime minister by the public.

This makes it easy, by comparison, for the prime minister to move forward on his agenda and to do so as long as he/she does not lose a vote of confidence in parliament.

I learned that the government elected in 2012 was a coalition of the parties, not unprecedented in Britain but something that hasn't been done in living memory.

This book would be of more interest to anyone living under the system because that person would most likely already know the details that are assumed by the author.

I was dissatisfied because I still don't know the basics - what, technically, is a vote of no confidence? How are members of the House of Lords elected? I understand that the lords can only delay the legislation of the commons, not change it, but this book says nothing about that.

British Politics is an interesting read but is not the tutorial that it should be for a introductory book.

[Sam Tornio · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not a straightforward tour, this engaging little volume offers an engaging, erudite and fair wander through the strange landscape that is British politics.

[Agata Bryłka]

Mój fav rodziła to ostatni rodziła bo autor w nim tylko obraża brexit. Reszty chyba nie zrozumiałam.

[Dorotea · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s all my fault for not researching the book better. In the description it says that “Tony Wright's Very Short Introduction to British Politics is an interpretative essay on the British political system, rather than merely an abbreviated textbook on how it currently works”. Several other review here on Goodreads mention that it does not talk about the mechanics and the basics of British politics.
… except that that was what I was searching for. I wanted a book to clearly explain me how it all worked (‘all’ being the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the shadow cabinet, the parliament, the relationship of confidence, etc). But such knowledge appears to be assumed already known.

[Florian Maganza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a book that would take me through the very basics of British politics. Instead, this book is more an analysis of what is so unique about British politics and how it has evolved over time. It is well written and full of interesting insights.

[Andrew Woodham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this book is a poor fit for the series, although I’m sure my opinion will evolve over time. This essay assumes too much foundational knowledge on the part of the reader to be considered an “introduction” to the topic at all. It’s not the author’s fault, but a misleading title left me feeling like my time was wasted. I was genuinely hoping to learn more about the inner workings of British government.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book this. However, it was written in 2013 which, given the current state of British politics, makes it somewhat dated.

The book is less a textbook-style introduction to British politics than a series of musings by the author (an ex-Labour MP) about the development and state of politics in Britain. So if, for example, you wanted to know what the role of the Commons Speaker is, or how legislation is made, this is not the book for you.

[Elie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the subject and pretty funny too in places.

[Pedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

از چیزی که فک میکردم بهتر بود ولی ترجمش جای کار داشت و اینکه چون سال 2003 چاپ شده بود سالهای اخیر توش جایی نداشتن ولی در کل برای شناخت سیاست و علی الخصوص مجلس عوام انگلستان کتاب خوبیه

[Armin Hashemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

کتابی بسیار بی‌سروته. هیچ توضیحی از نحوه عملکرد مجلس عوام و اعیان و شاه نمیده.

[Declan Waters · Rating 2 out of 5]

This Very Short Introduction suffers from some of the failings of other books in the series... that being you need to know about the subject before-hand! Anyone from outside Britain who picked up this wanting to know how the British system worked, how laws are made, the function of House of Lords, House of Commons and select Committees would be severly disappointed.

Instead, this is a history of British Politics in the last 20th, early 21st Century... or more accurately than that a 'How We Found It... and made it different' by a Labour MP elected in 1992, and part of the government in 1997.

Dr Wright spends a lot of time discussing the British constitution (or lack thereof), and that Britain is different with 2 party politics, no accountability, and no constitution... but doesn't manage to explain how this affects the processes (although he tries to explain what impact it has).

Finally, written in 2003 it is in desperate need of a 2nd edition (or brand new edition). Dr Wright confidentally asserts that the 2 party system is here to stay (stopped in 2010 in a coalition, and apparantely back in 2015), and the impact of membership of the European Union... which there is great mention of, but no indiciation that he considered Britain might vote to leave. But it is not the purpose of these books to tell the future, only to explain their subject... Perhaps a '... History of late 20th Century British Politics' would be a better (if slightly less pithy) title.

Post script: Trades Union... not Trade Unions!!!

[Kayli · Rating 4 out of 5]

British Politics: A Very Short introduction is a witty and engaging work by Tony Wright that covers all matters of sins when it comes to British Politics. I picked up this book while attempting to understand British politics and was very pleased with what I got. Wright is a former Member of Parliament and brings historical context and his own personal experiences to the forefront while discussing this topic. His chapters cover as follows: 1) The Britishness of British Politics 2) The political constitution 3) Arguing: the political conversation 4) Governing: the strong centre 5) Representing: party rules OK 6) Accounting: heckling the steamroller and 7) The end of British politics? Each chapter breaks down and discusses the many perspectives and ins-and-outs of British politics. As a historian, it really helped me place context in other aspects of my research and, as a chuckle, I kept wondering how Brexit would fit in a later edition. Wright is hilarious, which is no short feat when discussing politics, and is clearly thorough in his observations. I was first introduced to 'A Very Short Introduction' series my freshmen year of college and that's usually where I start when it comes to a new project. I highly suggest this book, and the series itself, if you are trying to get a basic handle on British politics. I also feel it important to mention I read this alongside 'The British Constitution: A Very Short Introduction' by Martin Loughlin and, though its not the intention, the two books read well together.

[Jeroen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am finally done reading this book. Took quite a while, especially since it is a very short introduction. Primary reasons for why it took so long are (i) the fact that I read it on my phone during my very short commute, (ii) the book did not offer me what I was looking for, and (iii) it is badly written.
If you are looking for a book to explain to you how british politics works, e.g. understand the different parties, the government, the shadow cabinet, the commons and the house of lords then this is not the book for you. Such knowledge appears to be assumed known already. If you want to know if Britain has a constitution than this book will answer that question for you, again and again and again and (...). The book is badly structured and does not appear to have a clear objective, other than the authors goal of showing how much he has read on the subject - with many quotes and references. The history of british politics is covered but since that history is clearly also assumed to be known the author did not feel the need for chronology or clarity. This book is in need of an editor and requires actual introductory information. Still glad I finished the book, I hate to start a book and not finish it; unfortunately that and the 2017 reading challenge were the primary motivation for continued reading to ensure that the time invested in the book was not completely wasted.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative, I read this as background reading, the information was easy to understand.
A bit like a history of government since 1945 rather than a thesis on politics. I feel it ironed out key points about the house of commons and the house of lords and the sovereign parliament, with an executive monarch.
I feel a bit more confident about knowing about MPs like Tony Blair had friends to put him in place as an MP.
I'm comfortable reading quite a lot of things but I also felt switched on to Wright's methods of switching to anecdote and opinion. He is himself an MP.
He argued that Britain doesn't have a written constitution so maybe we have Acts in legislation to iron out through the judiciary system. As is evident in the recent peroguing of parliament. I have a whole lot of background reading to do. 🙂

[Blank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, to be honest I did not like this book…

I’m a university student and my major is english so this book is an obligatory reading in my major, unfortunately…

I was so excited about this book since I’m interested in politics but I found this book way too long and not informative, I wanted to read something which informs me about the mechanics of English politics and which is rather dry then storytelling. I don’t know if it makes sense or not haha

If it wasn’t an obligatory reading then I wouldn’t have probably finished it either.

However I found many parts interesting and well written, I think it’s just my taste that made me easily bored while reading, I like dry books which tells a lot of data etc…

But! If you are interested about the politics of Britain and you don’t want to read about the mechanism then purchase this book and start reading!

[Ollie Trickett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping this short introduction would give me just that - a starting point from which someone who knows relatively little about British politics to gain a bit of insight into it's structures and recent history to gain some context of today's political landscape.

Unfortunately this book did not do that. The author seemed to assume that the reader already had a introductary knowledge of British politics and its structures, jargon and general concepts. There didn't seem to be a clear organisation of chapters and it left me feeling as though I hadn't gained much, other than more general political concepts which aren't specific to Britian.

Finding it in good condition for £1 in a second hand book shop now makes sense.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this books eons ago, wanted to read it before I donated it since it is missing material on Brexit, the Scottish Referendum, and the mess of the conservatives. I understand the newer edition contains this information, but it seems irrelevant considering this is not a primer for those with a newfound interest in British politics, but an analysis of the themes and trends forcing change in the British system itself. Centralization, devolution, political parties, and constitutional clarity are all key factors with no easy “answers.” While the overview clarifies these themes to a phenomenal extent, it is certainly concise and too elusive for my taste. Still a great understanding of modern forces, certainly confounded by the events of the past ten years. Thanks for being on my bookshelf.

[Aron · Rating 5 out of 5]

As others have noted, this is not a dry, technical discussion of the British political system. Rather it is an astute insider’s critique of that system and a description of how it actually works. Along with this comes an insightful discussion of the associated issues raised by this system.

As someone living in a country currently undergoing a constitutional crisis, the insights into how similar issues arise in another country, provides a fascinating perspective.

In general, this book raises one big question: which is more important, the system of government or the people in the government? It more and more seems the latter. It seems, across most countries, that the current political class comes from the very bottom of the barrel.

[Jambo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a lame essay that over-emphasize the exceptionality of the present. When viewed in hindsight, it is obvious that there are way too many extrapolation. The book keeps mentioning how the 2010 election is an important year as it created a coalition government. In fact, a decade after, no one regards the 2010 election as any sort of turning point for British politics.

This book is supposed to be a text aimed at intorducing British politics, that is supposed to be valid for years. Unfortunately, the author wrote a long editorial about the history and contemporary trend of politics relying on elusive and ephemeral phenomena.

The style of writing also shows signs of incompetency, with an abuse of direct quote and brackets that makes the text incomprehensible.

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I wouldn’t take this as a “level one” intro to British politics but if you have either don’t mind looking up a bunch of terms or just have an existing general understanding of the UK political system - this will take your understanding to the next level. I found this a great foundational treatise on Parliament, it’s “recent” history and political issues, the role of parties, and how Brexit had changed the course of existing constitutional issues. I look forward to re-reading this in a year after I’ve learned more on my own and taking away even more from it.

[M. Ashraf · Rating 2 out of 5]

British Politics
A Very Short Introduction #92
Tony Wright

It is not that informative book I did not like it that much, I think it was biased, it assumed much-known information, not that straightforward.
Yes, a short book but Not an introduction.

British people would defend to the death the right of a worker to withdraw his labour, but they draw the line at strikes.

Parties eat good men and spit them out bad . . . No nation’s public life is so polluted by party as Britain’s.

Find me a baby to kiss

[Toby Katz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written, well-crafted book but not the introduction to British politics I was expecting. It was more of a historical account of British politics rather than an informative piece on how the government governs and how politics functions.

I wanted an introduction to politics, to understand the system of Britain but instead was delivered an alright piece on the development of the political system. Not an outline and analysis of the system, which is what I was after.

[Ganapathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to start following British politics. Great book for understanding the evolution of a non-constitutional democracy. It is much more complex and fluid than I could have imagined. One of the aspects that piqued my interest was EU’s enforcement of common laws and how it is perceived by people as violating UK's the sovereignty. It explains, just a little bit, about how Brexit happened—a perceived threat to sovereignty outweighing the benefits of the union.

[Charlie Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really introductory, so much as an essay about the course of recent British politics. Not as implied by the title but interesting nonetheless. Perhaps it could have explained a little more, had more breadth, and focused on fundamental structures of British politics. I think this book assumes you already know more than most readers of this book (myself included) actually do know. Pretty sure most readers want the barebones knowledge, rather than an analysis of recent changes.

[Lee]

As others have noted, this does not provide a primer on, or even a rudimentary explanation of, the mechanics of the British Political system. Look elsewhere if this is what you want (my original want). While the book often feels as bloated and sclerotic as the political grandstanding it criticizes, I enjoyed having a birds-eye view of what an insider makes of the system at a time of seismic change.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, concise, sometimes a bit heady but very informative! It explains a lot and helps understand a bit what’s going on right now In Britain! And don’t forget, it is a short book, for further reading there is an extended bibliography attached! Highly recommended!

[Alex Ashton · Rating 3 out of 5]

What this book is not: a guidebook as to how the government of Britain works today.

What this book is: a good survey of the ups and downs of British politics since WW2, with a good emphasis on the Brexit changes.

Approach with that in mind.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry
How could it not be, being a book about British Politics
However, it was illuminating and helpful
British politics sounds like something it would take a lifetime to understand; however, a lifetime wouldn't be enough, as apparently, it changes regularly
Fascinating

[Lukasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sprawa Brexitu jest dosc aktualna i postanowilem przyblizyc sobie tematyke tego jak funkcjonuje system polityczny Wielkiej Brytanii. Jak zwykle seria "a very short introduction" nie rozczarowala mnie. 

[Dani (Dani Reviews Things) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 30%

Just terribly dull to read. I feel like I could learn what I’m hoping to learn from much more engaging media. Other Very Short Introduction books I’ve read have also been academic in nature, but they were still written in a practical and interesting manner.