Introduction - Principles and politics Ideology and political action, Summary. 1. A decade of discontent? - the Labour Party 1970-79; Background, Socialists and social democrats, What went wrong, In opposition, 1970-74, Back in office, 1974-79, The IMF loan, What went wrong - this time?, Conclusion. 2. From Selsdon man to Grantham woman - the Conservative Party 1970-79; Post-war conservatism, In opposition, 1964-70, In office, 1970-74, Defeats and recrimination, 1974-75, The crusade begins, 1975-79, Conclusion. 3. The Liberals and their allies, 1970-92; Background, Looking for allies, 1970-81, Realignment, 1981, A partnership of principle or a marriage of convenience, 1981-92?, Conclusion. 4. Thatcherism and its legacy, 1970-90; Opening shots, 1979-83, Second innings, 1983-87, Hubris, 1987-90, The nature of Thatcherism, Conclusion. 5. Socialism or social democracy? - the Labour Party 1979-92; Settling scores, 1979-83, Confrontation, 1983-87, Consolidation, 1987-92, Conclusion: the betrayal of socialism? 6. Nationalism in UK politics; Scottish nationalism, Welsh nationalism, Nationalism in Northern Ireland, English nationalism, The immigration question, The European controversy, Conclusion: varieties of nationalism. 7. Principles and politics since Thatcher; Background: Thatcher to Major, The Triumph of Thatcherism, Conclusion: a new consensus? 8. A crisis of party?. Feminism, The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Environmental movements, The campaign for animal rights, Conclusion: the politics of alienation? Conclusion - principles and politics since 1970.