Bringing together a completely new set of specially-commissioned chapters by leading authorities, "Developments in British Politics 7" provides an accessible state-of-the-art introduction to politics and political change in the UK. It provides a systematic assessment of New Labour in government focusing in particular on continuities and contrasts between its first and second terms and with traditional social democracy. A central innovation is the concept of multi-focal politics to explain the consequences of globalization, Europeanization and devolution for the nature and distribution of power in the UK.

In recent years British politics has seemed increasingly unpredictable. The Conservative Party's return to single-party government in 2015 surprised commentators and the electorate alike, and Labour's choice of Jeremy Corbyn as its leader marked a striking change in direction for the party. Cuts to public welfare and spending have led to growing dissatisfaction among sections of the public, and the increasing popularity of parties critical of the government's immigration, economic and social policies appears to represent a call for fundamental change in British politics. With a question mark hanging over the country's global standing following the EU referendum, and with further calls for Scottish independence, Britain's immediate future seems uncertain. In the 10th edition of this highly acclaimed text, leading authorities reflect on the latest developments in British politics. Drawing on current research, the chapters provide a state-of-the-art, yet accessible, account of British politics today. All the chapters are newly commissioned for this edition and together they provide a systematic analysis of key trends, issues and debates. Topics covered include the legacy of Cameron's governments, the politics of austerity, immigration, and the question of what, if anything, is distinctively 'British' about the British political system.

For over twenty years, Developments in British Politics volumes have provided accessible state- of-the-art coverage of key issues and changes. Developments 8 continues the same tradition but with a new editorial team as well as a new set of specially-commissioned chapters by leading authorities. New features in this edition include a wide ranging analysis of key debates on British politics and an assessment of the likely shape of British politics after Tony Blair.

This volume focuses on the key features of British politics under Tony Blair. The text asks to what extent devolution and European integration have brought about a system of multi level governance in the UK. The contributors relate the central themes of contemporary political debate to key questions in the political science literature, and provide a series of expert judgements on institutional and policy development.