Introduction to British politics lecture 2 notes

2. What is British Politics?
Sunday, 10 January 2021
12:08
Readings and Resources
Kerr, P. and Kettell, S. (2006) 'In Defence of British Politics: The Past, Present and Future of the
Discipline. British Politics 1:1, pp.3-25.


1. What do we mean by the study of a 'British' Politics ?
 What is 'British' Politics?
 Britain/UK: 'Britain' is the short form of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland and synonymous with 'UK'
 Great Britain: Only England, Wales and Scotland; not Northern Ireland
 England: Refers only to England, not any other part of the UK
2. How has the study of British politics developed ?
 What makes British politics distinctive ?
1. A multi-national state
 1536: Act of Union with Wales (involuntary)
 1707: Act of Union with Scotland (Voluntary)
 1801: Act of Union with Ireland
 1921-2: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

2. A centralised state
 Growth of the state throughout twentieth century
 Centralisation in Whitehall.
 Uncodified constitution concentrates power

3. An uncodified constitution
 Gradual refinement over time
 A 'new' constitution developing ?
 Ensures elements of past have lingered on
 Gradual change

4. A post-imperial State
 Decline since 1940s but continuing legacy of the British Empire
 Shaped by its experience of empire leading for over 200 years
 A 'special relationship' with the US
 An ambivalent relationship with Europe

5. An Anglo-liberal political economy
 Legacy of empire for global economy
 Importance of the financial service sector (now as big as mining sector at height of
industrial revolution)
 Distinctive 'Anglo-Liberal' model (Hay, 2013)

6. A liberal political culture
 Anglo-liberal community of ideas
 Structure Context: First past the post, Political parties, State institutions
 Freedom of speech and impartiality of media.