Focusing on the period 1945-1996, this work examines Britain's domestic policy and politics and also gives weight to external and international relations. This fourth edition has additions including: an exploration of the economic impact of Thatcherism; a new chapter on John Major; discussion of the changing nature of the workforce; current statistical data and graphs; and revised coverage of previous decades. Other topics covered include: the monarchy in crisis; New Labour and Tony Blair; and problems such as Northern Ireland and the European Union.