A Useful Fiction

Providing a punchy commentary on how the mere question of devolution influences all areas of political debate, this perceptive yet entertaining study focuses on the changing makeup of British culture. Analyzing the effects of devolution on Labor’s ability to govern the country as a whole, this detailed survey also reviews the politicians’ love of invoking “Britishness;” the role of newspapers, the broadcast media, and nationalist political parties in dictating what it means to be a citizen; the place of the royal family and class in the 20th century; and those financially responsible for the various parts of the country. Theorizing as to what principles should underlie the democratic running of Britain and its constituent parts—and how the parliamentary system should change as those parts devolve—this political examination applies a dry sense of humor in recognizing some of the absurdities thrown around during the course of the discussion. Nailing its arguments with an unerring eye, this is an enlightening and accessible look at Great Britain today as well as what it might become.

Patrick Hannan is a leading political commentator and broadcaster on Radio Wales and Radio 4. He is the author of 2001: A Year in Wales, Wales Off Message, The Welsh Illusion, and When Arthur Met Maggie.