It has been estimated that four-fifths of an carriage of goods by sea are governed by the Hague Rules, properly known as the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to Bills of Lading, signed at Brussels in 1924. The success of the Convention is wen recognised. Its importance is self-evident and such that, notwithstanding its success, it has been the subject of regular scrutiny with a view to improvement and reform. Attention has focussed on various matters, among them two central provisions which are the subject of this book. First to be considered is article X concerning the legal scope of the Convention: to which contracts for carriage under bills of lading does the Convention apply? This question has caused much trouble, was debated by the C. M. 1. for twenty years and was apparently settled by a new Conven tion signed at Brussels in 1968; but the solution may never come into force as the entire Convention is currently being considered by the United Nations with a view to reform of a different kind. The second part of the book examines one of the fundamental duties in the Convention. The ultimate duties of the carrier are duties of due diligence, diligence in caring for cargo and diligence in preparing his ship for sea. It is the latter duty that has been selected for detailed study."

The second edition of this popular textbook provides a systematic and comprehensive introduction to UK party politics, combining chapters on each of the main parties (Conservative, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party) with an assessment of post-devolution Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Clark analyses the extraordinary recent developments in UK politics, including Brexit, the 2015 and 2016 Labour leadership contests, and the surprise 2017 general election, exploring how these events have impacted the political parties, the people of the UK and the UK's position in the world. The book also covers the rise of minority parties such as UKIP, the influence of the media and party campaigning, organisation and funding. Written in an accessible style, this new edition is an essential companion for students taking modules on British Political Parties, Party Politics or British Politics more generally, as well as functioning as a useful background text for modules in Comparative Political Parties. It is an ideal introduction for all readers new to the topic. New to this Edition: - A new chapter on the Scottish National Party takes account of their rise, their role as a governing party in Scotland, and becoming the third largest party at Westminster. - Up-to-date coverage of all the latest developments affecting UK political parties including the Scottish referendum, the 2015 and 2017 general elections, the 2016 devolved elections and Brexit. - Extended coverage of the rise and fall of UKIP.