“I know too much about British politics to comment on British politics.”
Over the past decade or so, British politics has undergone seismic changes. The UK has had five Prime Ministers since 2015, has been rocked by two referendums, a rising cost of living crisis and continues to navigate the choppy waters of a post-Brexit Populist landscape. The situation has had a big effect on society, and we still haven’t fully experienced its long-lasting effects. Join us here at What We Reading for our favourite British politics books to help us make sense of it all!
British Politics: The Basics – Bill Jones
In British Politics: The Basics, author Bill Jones examines the past twenty years of society in the United Kingdom in an effort to explain how the political structure has evolved to its current state.
Covering the history of the United Kingdom from its time as an absolute monarchy to a representative democracy, Jones explores some of the core institutions at the heart of British politics such as the Houses of Commons and Lords, as well as how behaviours such as voter turnout and party membership have evolved during this time. It is one of the best British politics books for students looking for a comprehensive run-through of the history of the UK.
How Britain Really Works – Stig Abell
In How Britain Really Works, Stig Abell aims to delve into the core of British society and provide an answer to the question: “How did we arrive at this point?” The UK, a country filled with contradictions, is a global power weary of foreign intervention, a society that is ageing while experiencing declining health, and a nation reliant on immigration despite voting for Brexit.
How Britain Really Works is an insightful guide into the country’s institutions to give readers the ability to formulate their own opinions about where the country has come from, and where it is going in the future.
A History Of Modern Britain – Andrew Marr
Andrew Marr is one of the most acclaimed journalists in British politics, and his book A History of Modern Britain is a celebration of the stubbornness and challenges faced by its people.
From being on the brink of invasion, facing economic ruin and teetering on the frontlines of the Cold War, Marr takes readers through how Britain’s history has continually influenced its politics and social movements. From the war on homosexuals to the punk movement of the 1970s, it is a fascinating look at how people’s norms and attitudes can go with, against or even influence those in power.
A Useful History Of Britain – Michael Braddick
In his book, A Useful History of Britain: The Politics of Getting Things Done, author Michael Braddick actively explores how people in the past utilized political power to accomplish their goals. Braddick challenges the idea that present challenges facing the UK extend further than any Government in Westminster, by drawing parallels from history to showcase that things aren’t so different today as they were during the UK’s formative years.
Designed to widen readers’ perspectives on where we are now, as well as where we might be heading next.
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But What Can I Do? – Alastair Campbell
In a divided Great Britain, where politicians lie and manipulate for their own gain, Alastair Campbell tackles the fears and frustrations experienced by the majority of people through his book on British politics, What Can I Do?
Inspired by the question, Campbell offers an acute and insightful analysis of the polarised state of politics, whilst simultaneously arming readers with the motivation to make a change through his trademark impassioned delivery. Part call to arms and part practical handbook, it is a valuable resource for the level-headed to understand the differences they can make, developing confidence and overcoming setbacks in the process.
How Westminster Works… And Why It Doesn’t – Ian Dunt
A powerful and scathing look at the state of British politics, Ian Dunt’s How Westminster Works… and Why It Doesn’t is a thorough explanation of the inner workings of the British Government in the heart of Westminster. Politically neutral, this Sunday Times Bestseller Dunt explores how and why politicians seem increasingly inept in their roles, and how lying and scandal seem to be avenues to the top.
Lifting the lid on how things work from the newsrooms to Number 10 Downing Street, Dunt utilises interviews from those inside to show exactly how things work, and how we can go about starting to fix them.
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Why We Get The Wrong Politicians – Isabel Hardman
In Why We Get the Wrong Politicians, Journalist of the Year Isabel Hardman tackles why politicians are regularly voted as the least trustworthy professional group by the UK public. From expenses fiddling to claims of sexual harassment and bullying inside the halls of Westminster, each and every year politicians put forward legislation that they fail to adhere to, often to the detriment of the people who have elected them.
Aiming to provide a fresh perspective on how we always end up with representatives that make us unhappy, Hardman provides forensic analysis in this Book of the Year winner.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
