The United Kingdom – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards summarising the main terms and concepts from the lecture on the UK’s political system, history, migration and future challenges.

United Kingdom (UK)

A sovereign state made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Great Britain

The island comprising England, Scotland and Wales; it excludes Northern Ireland.

Constitutional monarchy

A political system in which a monarch is head of state but real governing power rests with an elected government.

Prime Minister (UK)

Leader of the UK government who wields executive power and heads the central government in London.

Devolved parliaments

Regional legislatures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that handle local issues but lack authority over areas such as foreign policy or immigration.

Irish War of Independence

1919–1921 conflict that led to the partition of Ireland into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Partition of Ireland

The 1921 division creating an independent Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which remained in the UK.

Irish nationalists / republicans

Mainly Catholic group seeking to unite Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland.

Unionists / loyalists

Mainly Protestant group wanting Northern Ireland to stay part of the United Kingdom.

The Troubles

Late-1960s to 1998 period of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland between nationalists and unionists.

Good Friday Agreement

1998 peace accord that established power-sharing in Northern Ireland and largely ended the Troubles.

British Empire

Global network of colonies ruled by Britain to gain territory, resources, wealth and influence.

Positive consequences of the British Empire

Construction of infrastructure, schools and hospitals in many colonies.

Negative consequences of the British Empire

Enslavement, displacement, cultural loss and exploitation of colonised peoples.

Post-war labour shortage

Severe lack of workers in Britain after WWII, especially in transport, manufacturing and healthcare.

Postcolonial migration to the UK

Arrival of workers from former colonies invited to fill labour gaps after WWII.

Racial discrimination in the UK

Abuse, hostile policies and legal obstacles faced by many postcolonial immigrants.

Ethnic diversity

Presence of multiple ethnic groups, particularly visible in cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Multiculturalism

Cultural enrichment of British society by second- and third-generation immigrants through food, music, literature and festivals.

Brexit

The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union following the 2016 referendum.

Euroscepticism

Attitude of distrust toward the EU, emphasising national sovereignty and tighter immigration control.

What are some reasons people voted to leave the EU?

To regain national independence, control immigration, and because of Eurosceptic media and

politicians.

Economic uncertainty after Brexit

Long-term disruption to UK-EU trade and relations, especially affecting Northern Ireland.

Future challenges for the UK

Issues such as climate change, future pandemics and geopolitical security threats.