As New Labour attempts to modernize the United Kingdom, Tom Nairn provides this scathing analysis of a state with a constitutional monarchy that lacks a written constitution and a parliamentary democracy with an undemocratic second chamber.

After Britain is a scathing analysis of the twilight of an ancient state: the United Kingdom. Its constitutional monarchy (lacking a written constitution), its parliamentary democracy (with a totally undemocratic second chamber) and its rule of law (without a full bill of rights or freedom of information) were once the envy of the world. Now, a 'modernizing' government is embarking on a last ditch effort to shore up the fragments of old glory. In this mordantly funny and brilliantly perceptive book, Tom Naim shows how self-government in Scotland and Wales will inexorably remove sovereignty from Westminster. He also paints a satirical portrait of New Labour that cuts through the glitz and spin to the emptiness beneath.