Alan Beith: A View from the North: Life, Politics and Faith Seen From England's Northernmost Constituency - Hardcover

Beith, Alan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1904794270 ISBN 13: 9781904794271

Publisher: Northumbria Univ Pr, 2008

Synopsis

Today’s MPs are often thought to be trapped in a London-centred view of life and to lack any hinterland” of life beyond politics, and any fundamental beliefs, but this book looks at political life from a northern perspective. Starting in the Manchester area and following the author's 35 years as MP for England’s northernmost constituency and a leading figure in the Liberal Democrats, the book cover key stages in the party’s growth, including the 1970s Lib-Lab pact and Paddy Ashdown’s leadership, as well as what the philosophy of Liberalism is all about. His experiences overseeing Britain’s intelligence and security services over more than a decade are presented and the need to make parliament more effective is outlined.

About this title

About the Author:

Alan Beith has been an MP for Berwick England’s most northerly constituency for 35 years and is the longest-serving Liberal Democrat in Parliament.

Review:

"This book, like its author, is reassuring and reflective; 'quiet' should never be confused with 'dull.' Refreshingly Alan Beith comes over as a man of principle based on his long-held beliefs in goodness, justice and faith."  Baptist Times

"Fascinating reading for anyone interested in contemporary politics as seen through the eyes of an exceptional figure."  Nick Clegg, MP

"His description of the deaths of both his wife and son is deeply moving. And you’d never find that in an even more overblown memoir."  Guardian

"Sharp analysis and rigorous thought on a range of political issues from parliamentary scrutiny of the Intelligence Service."  Liberal Democrats News

"[Beith] writes engagingly and often movingly of his life and his faith."  House Magazine

"A personal description of life, politics and faith seen from England's northernmost constituency."  The Reverend Dr. Stuart Burgess, Methodist Recorder

"All in all, this is a biography worth reading for its humanity and for its occasional political aperçus."  Journal of Liberal History

About this edition

• Publisher: Northumbria Univ Pr
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1904794270
• ISBN 13: 9781904794271
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272