Description
Book SynopsisThe definitive account of the impact of the first coalition in British politics since the end of the Second World War from a team of distinguished experts. This book cuts through the claims and hype to deliver the truth about the historic impact and quality of this unique government.
Trade Review'An absorbing, rich and indispensable book for all who seek a dispassionate assessment of the achievements and failures of the coalition government.' Sir Ivor Crewe, Master of University College, Oxford
'A collection of superb insights by first-class writers that everybody interested in this coalition - and others that may follow it - should read.' Matthew d'Ancona, author of In It Together, and Guardian columnist
'Anyone interested in the coalition and what it has meant for Britain ought to read this considered, insightful and comprehensive assessment.' Andrew Rawnsley, author of Servants of the People and The End of the Party
'Everyone has an opinion about the coalition government; here, as much as is possible, are the facts.' New Statesman
'A hefty volume of 23 essays by a distinguished range of experts on many aspects of the past five years of coalition government.' Financial Times
Table of ContentsDavid Cameron as Prime Minister, 2010–15: the verdict of history Anthony Seldon; Part I. The Coalition and the Government of Britain: 1. The coming of the coalition and the Coalition Agreement Mike Finn; 2. The coalition and the constitution Martin Loughlin and Cal Viney; 3. The coalition beyond Westminster Neil McGarvey; 4. The coalition and the executive Peter Riddell; 5. The coalition and Parliament Philip Cowley; Part II. The Coalition and Policy: 6. The coalition and the economy Paul Johnson and Daniel Chandler; 7. The coalition and energy policy Dieter Helm; 8. The coalition and infrastructure Julian Glover; 9. The coalition and society (I): home affairs and local government Tony Travers; 10. The coalition and society (II): education Alan Smithers; 11. The coalition and society (III): health and long-term care Howard Glennerster; 12. The coalition and society (IV): welfare Nicholas Timmins; 13. The coalition and foreign affairs Michael Clarke; 14. Europe: the coalition's poisoned chalice Julie Smith; 15. 'What the coalition did for women': a new gender consensus, coalition division and gendered austerity Rosie Campbell and Sarah Childs; 16. The coalition and culture: 'bread, circuses and Britishness' Rory Coonan; Part III. The Coalition and Political Culture: 17. The coalition and the Conservatives Philip Norton; 18. The coalition and the Liberal Democrats Mike Finn; 19. The coalition and the Labour Party Guy Lodge and Illias Thoms; 20. The coalition and the media Peter Preston; 21. The coalition, elections and referendums John Curtice; Part IV. Conclusion: 22. Conclusion: the net coalition effect Mike Finn.
