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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

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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  
Interesting, educational, well written, well narrated and such a useful book. Brilliant book. Highly recommended.

Brilliant

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And everyone else interested in democracy. Dunt’s work is detailed yet accessible yet engaging, taking us through the various institutions of government. His critique of how Westminster works chimes very much with my own - absolute power corrupts absolutely. A really fascinating read.

Essential for A Level Politics teachers!

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I enjoyed Ian’s book and his reading style. The subject matter is really brought to relevance and made clear and accessible by this book.

Informative and well read

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Brilliant book - so interesting to understand how the political system actually functions, whilst also being absolutely terrifying!

Fascinating insight into our politics

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Amazingly frustrating from the off. We need change! To improve how the UK is governed...

A must listen to understand the UK's political system.

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As this material isn’t taught in schools as part of standard curriculum it is a good broad insight of how the government machinery works.

The content on civil service, SPADs and issues with journalism were particularly insightful.

The unnamed chapters is irritating if you don’t also buy the book.

Broad and detailed overview of the political system

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This was a really enjoyable listen. The issues and ideas discussed here are both maddening and inspiring in equal measure. You can feel the way that if our governments incentives were modified the improvements that we could get to the way we are governed. Glad Ian read it himself.

Fantastic analysis, superbly structured. Politicians should listen.

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If you think politics and our arcane system of government is boring this will change your mind. Ian Dunt is eloquent, insightful, fair minded , brilliant and savage. I think this book deserves to be the defining text on the reasons we have become a bewildered & declining state. Never a dull paragraph. This is well read by the author at a blistering pace with all his customary passion but surprisingly, without the usual expletives!
A revelation!

The Diagnosis of our malaise

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Enjoyed the exploration of our political system it's deficiencies and what appears to be accidental strengths.

A must read/listen

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Our political system is fundamentally broken, and Dunt explains how and why this has happened, and gives viable solutions on how to fix it. I consider this essential reading for every Brit.

I would have liked some further commentary on the devolved administrations and on government-run organisations such as the NHS and DVLA, but I can see why these may have been out of the scope of this book.

Perhaps a second book of this kind is in order?

Essential reading for every Brit

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