I'm interested in Brit politics, but know very little if I'm truthful.

I think I've got a pretty good handle on the Tories. They're a lot like our Republicans.

But the left of your side is a bit more confusing.

As I understand it: going back to say, the 70s: Labour was heavily influenced by Communist sympathsizers, at least in the policy-making capacity. Labour constituents, by contrast, would have actually been appalled by the notion that Moscow was practically running things at that time.

But when Thatcher was finally ousted, Labour leaders at the top knew they wouldn't stay in power if they were, say, to get rid of American missiles (which was what Moscow hoped for). So the Yanks stayed...and somewhere along the way Labour turned into more of the equivalent of the U.S.'s Democratic Party.

But now, it seems, like the Lib Dems are really more of a centrist party...and, really, I'm just a bit lost.

Can someone give me a basic ideological breakdown. And, any other sort of "neophyte" lesson on Brit politics. As I say: I'm interested...but ignornant. No sense arguing the fine points amongst yourselves--though you can if you want. Just the basic, if you please. Thanks!