Modern Britain Since 1979: A Reader

In 1979, Margaret Thatcher rose to power and the ensuing years are key to understanding Britain in the 21st century. Keith Laybourn and Christine Collette have gathered a carefully selected collection of materials from primary and secondary sources. They cover the major themes in British social and cultural history and politics of the last 25 years; trade unionism, the welfare state, Conservative politics, Blair's "Third Way". The conflict over Britain's relations with Europe, along with regionalism and devolution are illustrated, as well as the shifts in ethnicity, racial and sexual equality and immigration.

In 1979, Margaret Thatcher rose to power and the ensuing years are key to understanding Britain in the 21st century. Keith Laybourn and Christine Collette have gathered a carefully selected collection of materials from primary and secondary sources. They cover the major themes in British social and cultural history and politics of the last 25 years; trade unionism, the welfare state, Conservative politics, Blair's "Third Way". The conflict over Britain's relations with Europe, along with regionalism and devolution are illustrated, as well as the shifts in ethnicity, racial and sexual equality and immigration.

Keith Laybourn is Professor of History at the University of Huddersfield and Christine Collete is Reader in History and Women's Studies at Edge Hill University College.