Northern Question: A History of a Divided Country

Tom Hazeldine's book "The Northern Question" explores the history of the North-South divide in Britain, tracing its roots from the formation of the English state to the present day, and its impact on politics and society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2021
Publisher: Verso Books

Britain is still grappling with the significant upheavals that have recently shaken the nation, ranging from the Brexit crisis to the collapse of Labour's "red wall." These momentous shifts demand an explanation. In his insightful work, Tom Hazeldine delves into the history of a divided country: North and South, industry versus finance, Whitehall versus the left behind. By fully acknowledging these deep-seated tensions, Hazeldine argues that we can gain a better understanding of the present moment.

Hazeldine traces the long-standing North-South divide, from the formation of an English state centered in London and the southeast, to the Industrial Revolution, the rise of provincial trade unions and the Labour party, the dashed hopes for regional economic renewal in the post-war years, the contrasting fates of northern manufacturing and the City of London under Thatcher and New Labour, and the ongoing repercussions of financial crisis and austerity.

The Northern Question, according to Hazeldine, is poised to revolutionize our understanding of Westminster politics. Its purpose, he asserts, is to challenge the traditional narrative of English history and place it on its head. This book offers a valuable perspective on the complex dynamics that shape British politics and society, and it is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the country's recent past and its potential future.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786634092