A detailed analysis of Brexit features in the latest edition of a guide to public affairs for journalists.

The fifth edition of Essential Public Affairs for Journalists, by James Morrison, has been launched to offer advice to both journalism students and practising journalists on the workings of both central and local government.

As well as analysing the result of the ‘Brexit’ referendum and its most likely outcomes for the UK, the devolved nations, and their future relationships with the rest of the world, the book offers comprehensive updates throughout to reflect the impact of the 2015 general election result, the 2016 local and devolved assembly polls, and the post-referendum change of Prime Minister and cabinet.

It includes a revised chapter on the National Health Service to explain the latest NHS structures and controversies, and moves towards integrating health and social care in the nations and regions.

A new-look chapter on the political parties also features, to reflect the rise of the Scottish National Party, the decline of the Liberal Democrats and the increasing plurality of party politics at local, regional and European level.

The author is a reader in journalism at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, and a freelance journalist and writer. Previously, he was course leader of the NCTJ-accredited newspaper and magazine journalism programmes at City College Brighton and Hove and has been a senior lecturer at Kingston University.

James is also a senior examiner in public affairs for the NCTJ and a member of its public affairs board.

The book’s recommended retail price is £24.99, but can be bought on the NCTJ’s website until 30 March for £19.99 excluding postage.