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How Westminster Works...and Why It Doesn't

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How Westminster Works...and Why It Doesn't

By: Ian Dunt
Narrated by: Ian Dunt
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About this listen


Why do some prime ministers manage to get things done, while others miserably fail? What is a 'special adviser' and how did they take over British political life? And why is the House of Lords more functional than most people think?

Most of us have a sense that our political system doesn't seem to work, but struggle to articulate exactly why. And for good reason: our political and financial institutions are cloaked in secrecy, archaic terminology, ancient custom and impenetrable jargon. Now, expert political journalist Ian Dunt is lifting the lid on British politics to expose every aspect of the setup in a way that can be understood and challenged. From Downing Street to Whitehall, the Commons to the Lords, this book is an indispensable guide to our political system - and how we might begin to fix it.

Featuring an audio-exclusive interview with Dorian Lynskey

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Ian Dunt (P)2023 Orion Publishing Group Limited Elections & Political Process Politics & Government Inspiring Thought-Provoking Socialism Government Capitalism

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Critic reviews

"In clear, reasonable tones Ian Dunt lays out why we should all be bloody furious at how badly British politics serves us. Parliament, parties, the media, the civil service and the law are all shatteringly exposed as rusted vehicles of inactivity, where long-term thinking is a dirty idea. How Westminster Works is both an articulate wail of lament and a rousing call to arms" (ARMANDO IANNUCCI)

"With typical incision, wit and flair, Ian Dunt masterfully deconstructs and skewers our corrosive political culture. An indispensable analysis of how we got into this mess" (THE SECRET BARRISTER)

"A devastating diagnosis of how Britain's political engine has broken down. Everyone in Westminster should read it"(OLIVER BULLOUGH)
All stars
Most relevant
Ever thought ‘how the heck did?!*?!!* get into power and why is everything getting worse?!
Enlightning, engaging comprehensive overview of why our political system is failing us and how it can be bettered.

Should be on every college curriculum

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Insightful, clear and absolutely on the nose. For the degree of detail and explanation it was not tedious or boring in the slightest. Brilliant account of where we are at the moment and a measured and mature analysis.

Superb Listen

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expertly read by the author who has obtained a deep understanding of the subject and presents a thoroughly enjoyable and at times frustratingly depressive insight in to our political system

Hugely informative and fascinating

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This is a distressing read. But the clarification of Westminster process, especially how things changed during the Brexit years and lockdowns, is invaluable.

The solutions are also depressingly obvious. And, as Dunt points out, many of them have been proposed and then abandoned by governments swept to power on the promise of change but then get comfortable with the autocracy that the current system grants them.

I do believe that this is one of the books like that could and should form the foundation of a curriculum on citizen engagement.

This book will disillusion you

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An insightful look at how poorly the British political system operates. It is truly terrifying.

Terrifying

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