Tony Blair has dominated British political life for more than a decade. Like Margaret Thatcher before him, he has changed the terms of political debate and provoked as much condemnation as admiration. At the end of his era in power, this book presents a wide-ranging overview of the achievements and failures of the Blair governments. Bringing together Britain's most eminent academics and commentators on British politics and society, it examines the effect of the Prime Minister and his administration on the machinery of government, economic and social policy and foreign relations. Combining serious scholarship with clarity and accessibility, this book represents the authoritative verdict on the impact of the Blair years on British politics and society.
• Covers the full term of Blair's leadership of Labour • Anthony Seldon is a recognized authority on British Prime Ministers, and Tony Blair in particular • Uniquely authoritative with a superb collection of contributors including John Curtice, Vernon Bogdanor, Sir Lawrence Freedman, Timothy Garton-Ash, Philip Norton, Philip Cowley and Tony Travers
Contents
Part I. Politics and Government: 1. The Blair premiership Dennis Kavanagh; 2. Parliament Philip Cowley; 3. Elections and public opinion John Curtice; 4. Local government Tony Travers; 5. Central government Paul Fawcett and R. A. W. Rhodes; 6. The constitution Philip Norton; 7. Media management Raymond Kuhn; 8. Tony Blair as Labour Party leader Richard Heffernan; 9. Social democracy Vernon Bogdanor; Part II. Economics and Finance: 10. The Treasury and economic policy Peter Sinclair; 11. New Labour, new capitalism Robert Taylor; 12. Transport Stephen Glaister; 13. Industrial policy Nicholas Crafts; Part III. Policy Studies: 14. Law and the judiciary Michael Beloff; 15. Crime and penal policy Tim Newburn and Robert Reiner; 16. Immigration Sarah Spencer; 17. Schools Alan Smithers; 18. The health and welfare legacy Nick Bosanquet; 19. Equality and social justice Kitty Stewart; 20. Culture and attitudes Ben Page; 21. Higher education John O'Leary; Part IV. Wider Relations: 22. The national question Iain McLean; 23. Ireland: the Peace Process Frank Millar; 24. Europe Ian Bache and Neill Nugent; 25. Development Richard Manning; 26. Climate change Kunal Khatri; 27. Foreign policy Michael Clarke; 28. Defence Lawrence Freedman; Commentary Timothy Garton Ash; Commentary Philip Stephens; Conclusion: the net Blair effect, 1994–2007 Anthony Seldon.
Reviews
'A compelling compendium of the Blair years from some of Britain's most authoritative figures' John Kampfner, New Statesman
'The authoritative verdict on the Blair years. Anthony Seldon and his team of experts tell an insightful and illuminating story of politics as policy rather than soap-opera'. Steve Richards, The Independent
' … a first class resume …' Sir Simon Jenkins, Sunday Times
'The merit and importance of Blair's Britain 1997–2007 is that it provides an intelligent, expert overview of the decade as a whole, on some 30 topics.' The Guardian
'One of the many merits of Anthony Seldon's edited book, Blair's Britain 1997–2007, is that it does justice to all aspects of the Blair era … The volume is intended 'to achieve a balanced perspective not only on the man but also his government', and the distinguished team of experts contributing chapters to the book have successfully accomplished this goal.' The Irish Times
'This is a useful … survey of the state of Britain after ten years of Blair's labour rule.' Morning Star
'…this detailed and comprehensive anthology will, together with its two predecessor volumes, inform the debate on Blair's legacy for many years to come.' The Political Quarterly
' … a comprehensive retrospective of the activity and action of a figure who has dominated British politics… Vital reading on one of the world's leading politicians.' Bulletin Quotidien Europe
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