Description
The Parliamentary Battle Over Brexit provides answers to those who want to understand the bitter arguments that occurred over Brexit, what might have been handled better, and the role that parliament played. Since the 2016 referendum, the hotly contested issue of Brexit has raised fundamental questions about the workings of British democracy. Nowhere was this more true than regarding the role of parliament. This book addresses important questions about parliament's role in the UK constitution, and the impact on this of the Brexit process. While initially intended to re-establish 'parliamentary sovereignty', Brexit wrought significant damage on the reputation of parliament, and the wider culture of UK democracy. Charting the full story of the parliamentary battle over Brexit, Meg Russell and Lisa James show that it wasn't always what it seemed. Based on careful documentary research and extensive interviews with key protagonists, the book explores multiple nail-biting moments, procedural innovations, and political 'what if's'. Drawing on insider accounts, alongside media and parliamentary debates, the book puts the events of Brexit into context and provides a clear and reliable document of record on a complex and disputed story. Ultimately, it argues that Brexit was largely a battle inside the Conservative Party, for which parliament got the blame. Insightful and comprehensive, the book is necessary reading to those with broader interests in British Politics, the culture of UK democracy, and the challenges of populism and democratic 'backsliding'.
About the Author
Meg Russell is Professor of British and Comparative Politics and Director of the Constitution Unit at UCL. She is particularly known for her work on parliament, having published books on the House of Lords, the legislative process and parliament's policy influence. Lisa James is a Research Fellow at the Constitution Unit, where she focuses on the UK parliament. From 2019-22 she worked on the ESRC-funded 'Brexit, Parliament and the Constitution' project.
Reviews
A terrific overview of the battles within Parliament to try to stop Brexit. * Paul Donnelley, Express.co.uk *
This book is of paramount importance. The first proper look at what happened in those dreadful years, by extremely authoritative figures, taking no prisoners in its assessment. Absolutely vital reading. * Ian Dunt, Columnist, i Newspaper & Host, Origin Story podcast *
I was engrossed in Brexit for years it feels as though it's finally possible to get some perspective, and Meg [Russell] and Lisa James's book does that brilliantly * Ros Taylor, The Bunker Podcast *
I doubt whether anyone will ever improve on Russell & Jamess account. It is highly detailed, lucid, and painstakingly accurate... sure-footed and faultless. * Chris Grey, Brexit and Beyond Blog *
An authoritative, comprehensive guide, written with great analytical lucidity and narrative verve. * Rafael Behr, Politics on the Couch *
A beautifully researched, thoughtful, and morally alert examination of one of the most difficult and divisive issues in British history. * Rory Stewart, Former Conservative Cabinet Minister and co-host of The Rest is Politics podcast *
In their analysis of these nuances, contradictions and complexities, Russell and James have written a book that will undoubtedly stand as the definitive text on the parliamentary battle for Brexit. * Katy Hayward, International Affairs *
Brexit was a serious and destabilising political event, but also an extraordinary parliamentary soap opera. This accessible book provides a definitive, compelling account of every improbable plot twist, while identifying important lessons for the future of our democracy. * Dr Hannah White, Director, Institute for Government *
Parliament was often the centre of national attention on Brexit. For a while in 2019, the BBC's Parliament channel's ratings even beat those for MTV. To really understand what went on, and what it all means, you can do no better than to read this meticulously researched book. * Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe and Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King's College, London *
The 2016 referendum and its aftermath crystallised long-running divisions over our EU membership, within political parties and the wider public. This thoughtful book charts what happened, identifies what could have been handled better, and helps outline how we can overcome the divisions and return to a more consensual democratic discourse. * Gisela Stuart, former Labour MP and chair of the 2016 Vote Leave campaign *
Impressive and meticulously researched...[The Parliamentary Battle over Brexit] offers a clear chronological explanation and thematic analysis of those difficult years. * Ben Wellings, Australian Book Review *
Thoughtful and carefully researched. * Emily Jones, Times Literary Supplement *
Russell and James have written a book that will undoubtedly stand as the definitive text on the parliamentary battle for Brexit. * Katy Hayward, International Affairs 99: 6 *
[A] clear-eyed study of the events of 2016. * New Statesman *
A comprehensive account of The Parliamentary Battle Over Brexit which is well worth reading. * Sam Freedman, Comment is Freed *
This book explores the power of Parliament, how Brexit challenged this power, and the lessons learned....Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals. * Choice *
Book Information
ISBN 9780192849717
Author Meg Russell
Format Hardback
Page Count 416
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 160mm * 36mm
About the Author
Meg Russell is Professor of British and Comparative Politics and Director of the Constitution Unit at UCL. She is particularly known for her work on parliament, having published books on the House of Lords, the legislative process and parliament's policy influence. Lisa James is a Research Fellow at the Constitution Unit, where she focuses on the UK parliament. From 2019-22 she worked on the ESRC-funded 'Brexit, Parliament and the Constitution' project.
Reviews
A terrific overview of the battles within Parliament to try to stop Brexit. * Paul Donnelley, Express.co.uk *
This book is of paramount importance. The first proper look at what happened in those dreadful years, by extremely authoritative figures, taking no prisoners in its assessment. Absolutely vital reading. * Ian Dunt, Columnist, i Newspaper & Host, Origin Story podcast *
I was engrossed in Brexit for years it feels as though it's finally possible to get some perspective, and Meg [Russell] and Lisa James's book does that brilliantly * Ros Taylor, The Bunker Podcast *
I doubt whether anyone will ever improve on Russell & Jamess account. It is highly detailed, lucid, and painstakingly accurate... sure-footed and faultless. * Chris Grey, Brexit and Beyond Blog *
An authoritative, comprehensive guide, written with great analytical lucidity and narrative verve. * Rafael Behr, Politics on the Couch *
A beautifully researched, thoughtful, and morally alert examination of one of the most difficult and divisive issues in British history. * Rory Stewart, Former Conservative Cabinet Minister and co-host of The Rest is Politics podcast *
In their analysis of these nuances, contradictions and complexities, Russell and James have written a book that will undoubtedly stand as the definitive text on the parliamentary battle for Brexit. * Katy Hayward, International Affairs *
Brexit was a serious and destabilising political event, but also an extraordinary parliamentary soap opera. This accessible book provides a definitive, compelling account of every improbable plot twist, while identifying important lessons for the future of our democracy. * Dr Hannah White, Director, Institute for Government *
Parliament was often the centre of national attention on Brexit. For a while in 2019, the BBC's Parliament channel's ratings even beat those for MTV. To really understand what went on, and what it all means, you can do no better than to read this meticulously researched book. * Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe and Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King's College, London *
The 2016 referendum and its aftermath crystallised long-running divisions over our EU membership, within political parties and the wider public. This thoughtful book charts what happened, identifies what could have been handled better, and helps outline how we can overcome the divisions and return to a more consensual democratic discourse. * Gisela Stuart, former Labour MP and chair of the 2016 Vote Leave campaign *
Impressive and meticulously researched...[The Parliamentary Battle over Brexit] offers a clear chronological explanation and thematic analysis of those difficult years. * Ben Wellings, Australian Book Review *
Thoughtful and carefully researched. * Emily Jones, Times Literary Supplement *
Russell and James have written a book that will undoubtedly stand as the definitive text on the parliamentary battle for Brexit. * Katy Hayward, International Affairs 99: 6 *
[A] clear-eyed study of the events of 2016. * New Statesman *
A comprehensive account of The Parliamentary Battle Over Brexit which is well worth reading. * Sam Freedman, Comment is Freed *
This book explores the power of Parliament, how Brexit challenged this power, and the lessons learned....Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals. * Choice *
Book Information
ISBN 9780192849717
Author Meg Russell
Format Hardback
Page Count 416
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 160mm * 36mm
