UK Political System Reforms (1997-2016)

A rebranding of the Labour Party under Tony Blair, focusing on different policies than traditional Labour.

Policies emphasizing the private sector, reducing government intervention in markets.

Succeeded Tony Blair as Prime Minister in 2007.

The Conservative Party formed a coalition with the Liberal Democrats from 2010 to 2015.

A political party that formed a coalition with the Conservative Party.

A law regarding the monarch's religious background.

Significant changes made to the House of Lords, reducing the power of hereditary peers.

An electoral system where voters rank candidates, and surplus votes transfer to second preferences until a quota is met. Used for elections where multiple representatives are elected.

The minimum number of votes needed for a candidate to be elected in an STV system.

An electoral system that combines constituency-based elections with party-list representation. Voters get two votes.

An electoral system where voters choose a party, and seats are allocated proportionally based on party votes.

A work contract offering no guaranteed work hours, and therefore no pay when not working. The employee must be available at all times.

One of the two major political parties in the UK, often associated with Conservative policies.

A legally mandated minimum amount of pay an employer can give to an employee.

A wage level sufficient for a person to cover basic expenses, like food, housing, and other necessities.

The percentage of the workforce that is jobless and actively seeking employment.

A benefit given to unemployed individuals who are actively looking for work.

A court-like body that hears cases of unfair dismissal.

A UK law that prevented the promotion of homosexuality in schools.

A legal agreement between two people, similar to marriage, but for same-sex couples.

Legal marriage between people of the same sex.

A problem in the UK's political system regarding the unequal representation of MPs from different nations (particularly England vs. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent regions or states, with each having some degree of self-governance.

The potential restructuring of the UK's upper chamber of Parliament, maybe to mirror the representation structure of federal states, like the US Senate.

An elected official who leads the Greater London Authority, responsible for managing London's transportation, police, fire services, and other important functions.

Economic policies promoting minimal government intervention in the market, emphasizing private ownership, competition and deregulation.

Transfer of state-owned assets and services to private ownership.

Transfer of private assets and services to public ownership.

A severe global economic crisis triggered by the collapse of the US housing market.

Reduction or elimination of government rules and regulations affecting business.

The formal acknowledgment of a trade union's right to represent workers in a workplace.

A workplace where all employees must be members of a specific union.

Picketing or protesting aimed at companies not directly involved in a labor dispute.

Changes to the requirements for holding a strike vote, increasing the threshold for union support.

Tony Blair initially supported the EU and signed the Maastricht Social Chapter, improving worker protections in the UK.

Part of the Maastricht Treaty, it improved worker rights, guaranteed written labor contracts, and equal protections for part-time and full-time workers.

The UK ultimately did not adopt the Euro due to economic assessments that failed to meet 5 key tests.

The UK Independence Party (UKIP) gained influence in the European Parliament after electoral reforms, particularly through proportional representation.

Large expansion of the EU membership, adding 10 new states, primarily from Central Europe.

The EU expansion resulted in increased migration to the UK, initially welcomed, as part of the UK economy's growth.

The 2008 financial crisis negatively affected the UK economy, increasing unemployment and causing blame for migrants.

Following the 2008 collapse, UKIP shifted its focus to immigration as a justification for leaving the EU.

A commission established in 2010 to address discrimination based on factors like ethnicity, sexuality, and disability.

Discrimination inherent in a system or institution, not necessarily from individual actions.

An Act that incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into British law, protecting fundamental rights.

International agreement protecting basic human rights, such as freedom from torture and the right to privacy.

Required plans for all public entities in Britain to prevent discrimination within their organizations and systems

Social reforms that took place after WWII to improve infrastructure, society, and to promote the well-being of the citizens and their community

Efforts to improve efficiency in healthcare and education, often involving increased private sector involvement.

The publicly funded healthcare system in Britain, remaining free for most services but with some exceptions like eye and dental treatments.

Public schools in Britain, providing a significant sector of schooling.

State schools under Blair's leadership, aimed to be more selective and improve educational outcomes across the nation.

A further type of school, created by Cameron, with greater autonomy and flexibility than traditionally recognized State Schools; aiming to increase schools selection and increase the quality of schools.