II. Politcal Context
•Parliamentary Democracy
–In effect ‑ system is almost unicameral
–Parties
•Conservative ‑ Tory
•Labour
•Liberal Democrats
•Independent parties & factions based in Scotland and N. Ireland
–Few of the checks and balances familiar to Americans
•Stability
In effect ‑ system is almost unicameral
   Since 1999 regional parliaments in Scotland and Wales.  Also in N. Ireland but that one is currently suspended

Conservative ‑ Tory
   In power 1979-97, mostly under Margaret Thatcher
   First government in the 20th century openly hostile to collective bargaining

Labour
   In power 1997 to now
   Prime Minister Tony Blair, re-elected 2001 and 2005

Stability
   Perhaps most stable in the world
   On corruption index, least corrupt in course and less than USA