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Fractured Union

Politics, Sovereignty and the Fight to Save the UK

Michael Kenny

$44.99

Hardback

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English
C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
11 January 2024
The question of the United Kingdom's survival, once taken for granted, now looms large in British politics. This book brings to life the historical roots of a contemporary crisis, revealing the assumptions underlying how politicians and bureaucrats make sense of the Union.

Why has the political class struggled to engage productively with devolution? Has the growing disenchantment of English voters with a detached central government influenced how MPs and civil servants regard the UK's territorial integrity? And how have seismic events fuelled the tensions between Westminster and the devolved administrations, from the election of an SNP government and the 2014 Scottish referendum to Brexit and the pandemic? Politics today is dominated by a profound sense of pessimism about the long-term viability of the UK. Where do we go from here?

Fractured Union offers a vivid account of the country's gradual loss of unity, and illuminates the forces and pressures which will shape the future of its nations and peoples. As nationalisms gain ground across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England, this book issues a sharp challenge to those who believe in a united kingdom: deliver better and more responsive government, or risk seeing the UK fall apart.

By:  
Imprint:   C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 216mm,  Width: 138mm, 
ISBN:   9781805260523
ISBN 10:   1805260529
Pages:   336
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Michael Kenny is Professor of Public Policy, and inaugural Director of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy, at the University of Cambridge. He has written extensively on national identity, territorial politics and governance, and is the author of a prize-winning study of the impact of English nationalism on British politics.

Reviews for Fractured Union: Politics, Sovereignty and the Fight to Save the UK

"'The United Kingdom is a deeply unusual and often complicated country. Michael Kenny's lucid and compelling account of its recent constitutional history should be required reading for politicians, officials and voters who want a better understanding of how this strange country came to be, how it currently works, and how it might yet evolve--and survive--in the future.' -- Alex Massie, 'Times' columnist 'The late Queen Elizabeth once told a seminar of young undergraduates that the British constitution had always been puzzling and always will be. She was right about that. But in these pages you will find enlightenment, because this important book tackles head on the ""English problem"" within its treatment of British policy towards the four nations.' -- Lord Peter Hennessy, historian and member of the House of Lords 'The United Kingdom remains a state in denial. Alone among the great nations of Europe it has been unable to fashion a constitutional consensus capable of keeping its component peoples together. This summary of its plight is clear-sighted and important.' -- Simon Jenkins, 'Guardian' columnist, and author of 'A Short History of England' and 'The Celts' 'An erudite yet accessible book with a fresh perspective on the politics of devolution. Kenny looks back to the motives for introducing devolution, while also bringing his analysis bang up to date examining the impact of Brexit and Covid. Essential reading for all who care about the future of the Union.' -- Hannah White OBE, Director of the Institute for Government 'The most up-to-date account of why a union that was traditionally seen as a given has now become so contested. An impressive and illuminating read.' -- Tim Bale, Professor of Politics, Queen Mary, University of London, and author of 'The Conservative Party After Brexit' 'This book is the most acute and informed study to date of the crises and tensions within the British Union from the 2014 Scottish referendum to the present--and of what the future might hold for the people of these islands.' -- Sir Tom Devine, University of Edinburgh"


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