The Nature and Environment of British Government at the Centre

Abstract

The Central Executive Territory is not an independent republic. It is part of British government and the British polity or political system. The boundaries of the Territory are fairly clear, though they range in visibility and penetrability from the Berlin Wall to the border between Lancashire and Yorkshire (not very clearly marked, but you soon discover a change in tribal loyalties). The links between the Territory, government and polity are lines or tracks of communication, responsiveness, responsibility and control. While the act of governing always contains elements of illusion there is no doubt that activities within the Territory constitute a large part of the higher direction of the government and polity of Britain. But the influences flow in both directions. What is done in the Territory by way of governing is shaped and constrained by the fundamental character of the British polity.