The UK is more decentralised, contested and diverse than ever before. This new, introductory textbook demonstrates how political scientists are tackling some of the biggest questions in UK politics today. It devotes particular attention to questions of representation, social class, gender, and race and ethnicity.

Drawing on the latest research and debates, the book explores key topics from the constitution to Englishness, Scottish independence to Brexit, inequality to foreign policy, and the end of Empire. Case studies bring theory to life, while reflective questions provide a jumping-off point for discussion and further investigation. An opening ′What will this chapter tell me?′ section and further reading suggestions complete each chapter.

Written by leading experts in the field, this textbook is essential reading for anyone studying UK Politics at undergraduate level.

Alan Convery is Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Edinburgh.