The Imperial Premiership

A study of the growing role of the British Prime Minister in foreign policy and military intervention over the past fifty years. Between 2011 and 2015 the House of Commons voted four times on the question of military intervention. Britain's activities abroad have been brought to the forefront of the public consciousness.The imperial premiership provides a comprehensive overview of British foreign policy over the last fifty years and nine premierships, from Harold Wilson to David Cameron. Based on the author's first-hand interviews with former foreign secretaries, Cabinet ministers, senior civil servants, party officials, military chiefs and diplomats, it offers a unique account of the growing role of the Prime Minister in foreign-policy making and the personal impact each premier has had on British foreign policy as a whole. It also provides an insider account of both votes on the question of military intervention in Syria.The book argues that the Prime Minister now spends more time on foreign policy than at any other period outside of war, yet with the exception of high-profile crises the public and MPs themselves remain ill-informed on the subject. If we are to avoid the foreign-policy mistakes of the past and make full use of our country's authority on the world stage then we need a societal change in how we vet those who seek the office and in how we educate the electorate.The imperial premiership includes a foreword by former Foreign Secretary Lord Owen. It will appeal to readers with an interest in British politics and history, and international relations. Recent votes in the House of Commons on British military intervention have put foreign policy at the heart of public consciousness. This book examines fifty years and nine premierships - from Harold Wilson to David Cameron - to offer a unique account of the growing role of the prime minister in foreign policy making.The prime minister now spends more time on foreign policy than at any previous period outside war, but excepting crises the public and MPs themselves remain relatively ill-informed on the subject. Written by a senior parliamentary researcher and based on first-hand interviews with former foreign secretaries, Cabinet ministers, senior civil servants, party officials, military chiefs and diplomats, this book provides an insider account of votes on military intervention in Syria, and raises questions around the vetting of those who seek the office of prime minister and the educating of the electorate.