The United Kingdom

England,UK or Britain?

The united Kingdom = everything except Ireland

Great Britain = Wales, England and Wales

Britain = another term for U.K

British Isles = all of them

 

British identity

  • British =/English

  • Combination of out many identities

  • Britishness more inclusive than Englishness (see multicultural UK)

  • In (English) cities people identify as British rather than English

  • In the countryside this is exactly the other way around

 

The North-South divide








 

 

 

 

 

Britain a multicultural society?

  • British Empire has resulted in immigration from Commonwealth countries

  • EU membership immigration from EU countries (e.g. Poland)

  • UK one of the most diverse places globally

  • However: backlash against multiculturalism (Brexit)

 

Post Brexit Britain - Global Britain?

  • intense debate (pro vs. contra)

  • Loss of UK as a member significant for EU

  • one result: more severe supply chain issues than other countries in the EU

  • promise of many trade deals has not yet been fulfilled

  • trade still a problem, difficulty for Northern Ireland

  • UK more isolated internationally

 

The monarchy

  • Monarchy is an essential part of the British political system

  • Powers of the monarch limited to ceremonial duties

  • The Queen and monarchy enormous public support

  • There are many arguments for and against the monarchy to consider

Pro

  • The Queen is loved and supported by the British people

  • The monarchy can help in questions of international politics(Commonwealth)

  • Because there is no written constitution, it would be hard to abolish the monarchy

 

Con

  • The monarchy is based on pre-enlightenment world views; hereditary

  • Personal scandals of members of the royal family could undermine the reputation of the state

  • The monarchy has excluding aspects (religion)

  • The monarchy is too expensive

 

Â