‘This collection gives an excellent and richly complex picture of the way in which Britain has shaped its ideas of and engagement with Africa across political elites, NGOs and the wider public. Its great strength emerges when it is exploring tensions and dilemmas: where NGOs try to navigate uncomfortable political waters, or where political parties need to deal with hostile constituencies and competing political demands. Although the book is extremely engaging and accessible, it doesn’t simplify the politics.’ Julia Gallagher, Professor of African Politics, SOAS, University of London, author of Britain and Africa under Blair: in pursuit of the good state‘This important and detailed book provides a thorough and nuanced picture of the UK’s relations with Africa. A broad range of scholars and other experts take the reader on a journey through successive British governments, Labour and Tory, and their relationships with the continent. With so many relatively newcomers in Africa, not least the Chinese, what will be the role of post-Brexit Britain?’Mary Harper, Africa Editor, BBC‘Britain's relationship with Africa has never been easy or comfortable, and even in the twenty-first century the colonial past still casts a long shadow. This timely and insightful collection shows how far we have come in shaking off the image of empire, and how far we may still have to go in building robust and mutually beneficial relations with the leading economies and political actors on the African continent. Indispensable reading for anyone who needs to understand world affairs.’David M Anderson, Professor of African History, University of Warwick