ginapeterb
27th October 2004, 23:49
Would you like to know more about the United Kingdom and our politics, would you like to hear about cultural issues, learn about the country, its people, and hear what’s happening in the UK.
If so come on down and read it about here, we will publish week by week, human interest stories, news in the UK, whets happening, tell you about the way of life here, and lots more, are you interested ? Fine come and read about UK Life, the structure of our government its armed forces.
UK Politics
Some background
The United Kingdom has a constitutional Monarchy with a National Parliament of 600 plus representatives called members of Parliament.
There are 2 chambers of legislature, the house of commons and the house of Lords, then the judiciary, and the United Kingdom is split into special regions.
Scotland has its own parliament where matters of issues with regard to Scotland are discussed however, matters such as National Defence, are retained within the Palace of Westminster.
Wales has its own Regional Assembly as also has Northern Ireland although at the moment due to terrorism, the NI Regional Assembly has been suspended.
England itself surprisingly has no national representation within its borders, a source of growing discontent, as England makes up the majority of the United Kingdom’s population, and is also the powerhouse of the UK Economy.
The United Kingdom has a Joint Military of the Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the 2nd is the Commander in Chief, and head of state, the Prime Minister and the National leader is Tony Blair.
The UK retains its own Nuclear Defence deterrent, through the maintenance of a fleet of Trafalgar class SSBN submarines, 2 are on patrol 24 hours a day 7 days a week around the worlds oceans, their locations are a secret, 2 are in dry dock, the Prime Minister is the only person in the United Kingdom who can order the launch of the Trident D5 Nuclear missiles, these are our country’s only defence against any aggressor, the issue regarding our Nuclear deterrent is a sensitive issue, there are those that do not wish to retain it, there are those that believe it gives us a defence to maintain our way of life, from those who seek to destroy it.
The United Kingdom’s Armed Forces consist of the:
British Army
The British Army is active around the world in many countries, on peacekeeping missions being one of the finest trained army’s in the world, and highly noted for its professionalism and self discipline, it is often the 1st choice of the United Nations Security Council as the best equipped Army to handle Sensitive Peace Keeping duties, British Troops are in over 40 countries worldwide, assisting with the training of foreign friendly government troops, and assistance in emergency relief operations.
The United Kingdom has always resisted the conscription of its troops, preferring to operate with a small professional well paid Army of some 100,000 Men.
The Royal Navy
The Royal Navy was once the largest Surface fleet in the world, but with modern technological changes, and budgetary considerations, the Royal Navy whilst being a potent fleet, has somewhat been scaled down, as the art of modern warfare has changed, the Royal Navy still patrols the world oceans, and lately has been active in the Gulf Wars, It has 3 Main Air Craft Carrier battle groups worldwide, and various support amphibious vessels, over 80 Missile cruisers, destroyers and Frigates, the Royal Navy continues to offer support to UK Armed Forces and various friendly foreign governments around the world.
The Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force was at one time the only thing standing between this country and Europe, a few brave pilots obtained victory in the Battle of Britain over 1000’s of enemy aircraft in 1940.
Since then the Royal Air Force has seen service around the world, during the Korean war, the Gulf War, and of late, the Iraq War, Royal Air Force Tornado squadrons have been particularly active in enforcing the no fly zone over Iraq alongside our American allies.
The Royal Air Force is slowly being equipped with a new range of the Euro fighter Typhoon Attack Jets, these are being phased in slowly over a 10 year period, these will give the United Kingdom the ability to provide assistance around the world, with the war on terrorism, and support to our American Allies in joint operations against insurgents and any aggressors, that would wish to destroy the way of life of our people.
Local Government
The United Kingdom is split into counties, of which each has its own county council, then individual areas have their own district councils, right down to small villages which have a parish council.
Economy
The United Kingdom Economy is the 4th largest in the world, and our country is a member of the G7 group, the 7 most economically powerful countries in the world, the United Kingdom’s economy is a knowledge based economy, with some manufacturing, it has one the worlds highest living standards, and spends 9 per cent of GDP on healthcare, whilst some criticism has been levelled at successive governments, our National Health Service was once the envy of the world, and was the product of Social Insurance which was the recommendation of the Beveridge Committee in 1942, the concept of “Collective responsibility through social insurance” was the cornerstone of the Atlee Government who took power shortly after World War 2, the National Health Service continues to provide healthcare for all our citizens, which is free at the point of delivery, and is paid for through direct taxation receipts Filipino’s will be delighted to know that there are over 20,000 Philippine Nurses working in the National Health Service, showing that the UK is delighted to accept well qualified Philippine Nurses.
Space Exploration.
The United Kingdom is now a major partner in the development of the World Space Station, the United Kingdom has sponsored its own laboratory unit to be sent into space and Britain has produced its own Astronauts, trained by NASA at the Manned Spacecraft centre, Houston Texas in the United States.
Population demographics
The United Kingdom Population is one of the most diverse populations in the world, with over 200 different national communities, the population is around 60 million, however there is a large number of expatriates living in the Middle East and the Far East, and former British colonies worldwide, its Capital City London has over 210 national groups, living there, everything from, Chinese, Japanese, Nigerians, Ghanaians, Caribbean’s, Greeks, Italians, South Africans, Australians, New Zealanders, the UK has an endless diverse culture.
The City of London is famous for the Notting Hill Carnival, which runs throughout Notting Hill Gate and the Portobello road, its is essentially a carnival to celebrate the Caribbean influences over London, from a generation of people who came from the Caribbean Islands over the last 40 years, London is one of the greatest cities in the world, ranking as one of four major world cities, the others, being New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.
London is a truly magnificent city, it has everything from historical buildings from 1000 years of history, starting with the Tower of London first built by William the Conqueror, who came from Normandy in France, to win a great victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, even today you can see the historic battle site, in the village of Battle about 15 miles inland from the landing at Hastings.
The World famous Palace of Westminster and the St Stephens Clock tower, affectionately known as Big Ben attracts multitudes of visitors every year, and the British Airways, London Eye, is visible from the Palace of Westminster and is the most successful attraction ever built in the UK.
Geography and Scenery
The United Kingdom is famous for the term “England’s greenest hills”, the United Kingdom has some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, famous for its lush green vegetation and breath taking forests, the Lake district is one of the most tranquil settings in the world, the Mountains and Lochs of Scotland are a sight to be seen, the United Kingdom is approximately 1000 miles in length, starting in the Highlands of Scotland, and stretching down through the Midlands, to the English Riviera of Devon and Cornwall, at its lower tip, A Country characterized by beautiful dales, dry stone walls, beautiful mountain valleys, with cascading water falls, miles upon miles of pebble beaches and coastline, and one of the most densely populated countries in Europe.
Culture
The United Kingdom culture has diversified so much in the last 30 years, its very hard to say what exactly is a British person, what identifies them, but I think if I were asked to state what it was that held all British Citizens together, I think it would be this:
Their tolerance of people of other countries, the UK has a reputation of being the most welcoming country in the world, of people who have suffered misfortune, our country continues to have one of the most open Asylum policies of any Western European country, we always welcome those people who have been persecuted or have been badly treated in their own countries.
Our right to be individuals, our right to take control of our own lives, without state interference, see how British Citizens find each other in all corners of the world, and stick together when the going gets tough, what binds us together, is not just a matter of flag and country, its things like the England national soccer squad, our love of freedom and our love of democratic values, because who we are, will always be what we were, a country, that loves liberty, tolerance, defending our right to exist, not to be trampled on by others.
What identifies UK Culture ?
England National Soccer team, Home Ownership, Individualism, Freedom of Choice, High standards of living, Strong notions of Queen and Country, Afternoon tea, Stately homes, the right to challenge publicly our political leaders, The English language, a sense of history, high numbers of ethnic minority groups, the right to self determination.
If so come on down and read it about here, we will publish week by week, human interest stories, news in the UK, whets happening, tell you about the way of life here, and lots more, are you interested ? Fine come and read about UK Life, the structure of our government its armed forces.
UK Politics
Some background
The United Kingdom has a constitutional Monarchy with a National Parliament of 600 plus representatives called members of Parliament.
There are 2 chambers of legislature, the house of commons and the house of Lords, then the judiciary, and the United Kingdom is split into special regions.
Scotland has its own parliament where matters of issues with regard to Scotland are discussed however, matters such as National Defence, are retained within the Palace of Westminster.
Wales has its own Regional Assembly as also has Northern Ireland although at the moment due to terrorism, the NI Regional Assembly has been suspended.
England itself surprisingly has no national representation within its borders, a source of growing discontent, as England makes up the majority of the United Kingdom’s population, and is also the powerhouse of the UK Economy.
The United Kingdom has a Joint Military of the Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the 2nd is the Commander in Chief, and head of state, the Prime Minister and the National leader is Tony Blair.
The UK retains its own Nuclear Defence deterrent, through the maintenance of a fleet of Trafalgar class SSBN submarines, 2 are on patrol 24 hours a day 7 days a week around the worlds oceans, their locations are a secret, 2 are in dry dock, the Prime Minister is the only person in the United Kingdom who can order the launch of the Trident D5 Nuclear missiles, these are our country’s only defence against any aggressor, the issue regarding our Nuclear deterrent is a sensitive issue, there are those that do not wish to retain it, there are those that believe it gives us a defence to maintain our way of life, from those who seek to destroy it.
The United Kingdom’s Armed Forces consist of the:
British Army
The British Army is active around the world in many countries, on peacekeeping missions being one of the finest trained army’s in the world, and highly noted for its professionalism and self discipline, it is often the 1st choice of the United Nations Security Council as the best equipped Army to handle Sensitive Peace Keeping duties, British Troops are in over 40 countries worldwide, assisting with the training of foreign friendly government troops, and assistance in emergency relief operations.
The United Kingdom has always resisted the conscription of its troops, preferring to operate with a small professional well paid Army of some 100,000 Men.
The Royal Navy
The Royal Navy was once the largest Surface fleet in the world, but with modern technological changes, and budgetary considerations, the Royal Navy whilst being a potent fleet, has somewhat been scaled down, as the art of modern warfare has changed, the Royal Navy still patrols the world oceans, and lately has been active in the Gulf Wars, It has 3 Main Air Craft Carrier battle groups worldwide, and various support amphibious vessels, over 80 Missile cruisers, destroyers and Frigates, the Royal Navy continues to offer support to UK Armed Forces and various friendly foreign governments around the world.
The Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force was at one time the only thing standing between this country and Europe, a few brave pilots obtained victory in the Battle of Britain over 1000’s of enemy aircraft in 1940.
Since then the Royal Air Force has seen service around the world, during the Korean war, the Gulf War, and of late, the Iraq War, Royal Air Force Tornado squadrons have been particularly active in enforcing the no fly zone over Iraq alongside our American allies.
The Royal Air Force is slowly being equipped with a new range of the Euro fighter Typhoon Attack Jets, these are being phased in slowly over a 10 year period, these will give the United Kingdom the ability to provide assistance around the world, with the war on terrorism, and support to our American Allies in joint operations against insurgents and any aggressors, that would wish to destroy the way of life of our people.
Local Government
The United Kingdom is split into counties, of which each has its own county council, then individual areas have their own district councils, right down to small villages which have a parish council.
Economy
The United Kingdom Economy is the 4th largest in the world, and our country is a member of the G7 group, the 7 most economically powerful countries in the world, the United Kingdom’s economy is a knowledge based economy, with some manufacturing, it has one the worlds highest living standards, and spends 9 per cent of GDP on healthcare, whilst some criticism has been levelled at successive governments, our National Health Service was once the envy of the world, and was the product of Social Insurance which was the recommendation of the Beveridge Committee in 1942, the concept of “Collective responsibility through social insurance” was the cornerstone of the Atlee Government who took power shortly after World War 2, the National Health Service continues to provide healthcare for all our citizens, which is free at the point of delivery, and is paid for through direct taxation receipts Filipino’s will be delighted to know that there are over 20,000 Philippine Nurses working in the National Health Service, showing that the UK is delighted to accept well qualified Philippine Nurses.
Space Exploration.
The United Kingdom is now a major partner in the development of the World Space Station, the United Kingdom has sponsored its own laboratory unit to be sent into space and Britain has produced its own Astronauts, trained by NASA at the Manned Spacecraft centre, Houston Texas in the United States.
Population demographics
The United Kingdom Population is one of the most diverse populations in the world, with over 200 different national communities, the population is around 60 million, however there is a large number of expatriates living in the Middle East and the Far East, and former British colonies worldwide, its Capital City London has over 210 national groups, living there, everything from, Chinese, Japanese, Nigerians, Ghanaians, Caribbean’s, Greeks, Italians, South Africans, Australians, New Zealanders, the UK has an endless diverse culture.
The City of London is famous for the Notting Hill Carnival, which runs throughout Notting Hill Gate and the Portobello road, its is essentially a carnival to celebrate the Caribbean influences over London, from a generation of people who came from the Caribbean Islands over the last 40 years, London is one of the greatest cities in the world, ranking as one of four major world cities, the others, being New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.
London is a truly magnificent city, it has everything from historical buildings from 1000 years of history, starting with the Tower of London first built by William the Conqueror, who came from Normandy in France, to win a great victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, even today you can see the historic battle site, in the village of Battle about 15 miles inland from the landing at Hastings.
The World famous Palace of Westminster and the St Stephens Clock tower, affectionately known as Big Ben attracts multitudes of visitors every year, and the British Airways, London Eye, is visible from the Palace of Westminster and is the most successful attraction ever built in the UK.
Geography and Scenery
The United Kingdom is famous for the term “England’s greenest hills”, the United Kingdom has some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, famous for its lush green vegetation and breath taking forests, the Lake district is one of the most tranquil settings in the world, the Mountains and Lochs of Scotland are a sight to be seen, the United Kingdom is approximately 1000 miles in length, starting in the Highlands of Scotland, and stretching down through the Midlands, to the English Riviera of Devon and Cornwall, at its lower tip, A Country characterized by beautiful dales, dry stone walls, beautiful mountain valleys, with cascading water falls, miles upon miles of pebble beaches and coastline, and one of the most densely populated countries in Europe.
Culture
The United Kingdom culture has diversified so much in the last 30 years, its very hard to say what exactly is a British person, what identifies them, but I think if I were asked to state what it was that held all British Citizens together, I think it would be this:
Their tolerance of people of other countries, the UK has a reputation of being the most welcoming country in the world, of people who have suffered misfortune, our country continues to have one of the most open Asylum policies of any Western European country, we always welcome those people who have been persecuted or have been badly treated in their own countries.
Our right to be individuals, our right to take control of our own lives, without state interference, see how British Citizens find each other in all corners of the world, and stick together when the going gets tough, what binds us together, is not just a matter of flag and country, its things like the England national soccer squad, our love of freedom and our love of democratic values, because who we are, will always be what we were, a country, that loves liberty, tolerance, defending our right to exist, not to be trampled on by others.
What identifies UK Culture ?
England National Soccer team, Home Ownership, Individualism, Freedom of Choice, High standards of living, Strong notions of Queen and Country, Afternoon tea, Stately homes, the right to challenge publicly our political leaders, The English language, a sense of history, high numbers of ethnic minority groups, the right to self determination.