UK Politics & Elections

• These are study notes on UK politics, history and institutions

UK Prime Ministers

• Boris Johnson was the UK Prime Minister from July 2019 to September 2022
• Liz Truss succeeded Boris Johnson, but only served for 44 days
• Rishi Sunak succeeded Liz Truss as Prime Minister
• Rishi Sunak is the first British Asian and Hindu Prime Minister.
• The mini-budget and the financial turmoil that followed were significant economic events during the succession of UK Prime Ministers in 2022
• Managing the economy amid rising inflation is a key policy of Rishi Sunak's government
• Boris Johnson faced a confidence vote in 2022
• Liz Truss faced economic instability and lack of party support during her short time as Prime Minister

UK Political System

• Rishi Sunak belongs to the Conservative Party
• The Prime Minister is the head of government and is responsible for running the UK and making policy decisions
• The UK has a parliamentary democracy
• The monarch is responsible for appointing the Prime Minister
• Prime Minister's Question Time enables MPs to question the Prime Minister about government policies
• The two houses of Parliament are the House of Commons and the House of Lords
• MPs are elected through the 'First Past the Post' system during general elections
• The Conservative Party had a significant victory in the 2019 general election, which allowed Brexit to proceed
• Tactical voting is when voters support candidates with a better chance of winning
• The UK political system is mainly based on parliamentary democracy
• Power is shared in the UK with a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system
• The leader of the party with the most seats in the Commons is typically the Prime Minister, appointed by the monarch
• The opposition holds the government to account, including providing alternative policies
• A general election calls for Members of Parliament (MPs) to be elected to the House of Commons, and are typically held every five years
• Snap elections can be called earlier than scheduled in response to political events and a party with the most MPs generally forms the government
• The monarchy is symbolic, a symbol of the unity and continuity of the state, and a symbol of tradition, continuity and national unity in Britain
• The Prime Minister can, usually, call a general election, but the Fixed-term Parliaments Act affects this
• The leader of the UK government and head of the UK Parliament is currently: Keir Starmer
• The head of the largest political party not in government is currently: Kemi Badenoch
• The UK government official responsible for economic and financial matters is currently: Rachel Reeves
• The UK government minister responsible for internal affairs, immigration, and law enforcement, is currently: Yvette Cooper
• The UK government minister responsible for foreign affairs and international relations is currently: David Lammy
• The leader of the Liberal Democrats party is currently: Ed Davey
• The leader of Plaid Cymru is currently: Rhun ap Iorwerth
• The head of the DUP is currently: Gavin Robinson
• The UK government minister responsible for education policy and schools is currently: Bridget Phillipson
• The current leader of the Scottish National Party is: John Swinney

Brexit

• Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, which was officially enacted on January 31, 2020
• Political challenges that have arisen due to Brexit include the Northern Ireland protocol, Scotland's desire for independence, and party divisions over Brexit policy
• The Northern Ireland Protocol aims to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
• Brexit has led to changes in trade relationships, supply chain disruptions, and a decline in the value of the British pound.
• The UK has had to negotiate new trade agreements outside of the EU, leading to challenges in accessing EU markets.
• New immigration policies that affect the movement of EU citizens to the UK and workforce shortages in certain sectors have been implemented post-Brexit
• The Northern Ireland Protocol has created unique trade arrangements can affect economic stability and local businesses
• Scotland has expressed desires for independence, with a focus on re-entering the EU, leading to increased political tensions post-Brexit
• Brexit has caused institutions operating in the financial sector to relocate operations, and face increased regulation when accessing EU markets
• Reduced immigration from the EU has led to labor shortages in critical sectors such as agriculture and healthcare
• 'Hard Brexit' refers to a scenario where the UK leaves the EU with no trade agreement
• 'Soft Brexit' refers to retaining close ties with the EU, potentially including membership in the single market or customs union
• The UK government has implemented measures to streamline trade processes and mitigate delays at borders
• Public opinions are divided, with varying sentiments about the benefits and drawbacks of leaving the EU ongoing
• The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) is the post-Brexit agreement that outlines the future relationship between the UK and the EU regarding trade and security
• Brexit has created challenges with exports to the EU, impacting farmers' profitability and access to labor
• A principle that refers to ensuring fair competition between the UK and EU is the "level playing field"
• Indicators like GDP growth, inflation rates, and unemployment have reflected Brexit-related changes
• SMEs face increased costs, regulatory hurdles, and complications in trade with EU partners

British Monarchy

• The current monarch of the United Kingdom is King Charles III as of October 2023.
• The opening of Parliament and the granting of royal assent to legislation are largely ceremonial roles of the monarch
• Royal assent is the formal approval by the monarch to make a bill into law
• The Bill of Rights limited the powers of the monarch and increased the authority of Parliament
• In practice, the powers of the monarch are exercised based on advice from the Prime Minister and the Cabinet
• The monarch's duties include opening Parliament, addressing MPs, and granting royal assent to legislation
• The monarch has the power to give Royal Assent to legislation passed by Parliament, which is required for a bill to become law
• The monarch has the right to consult with the Prime Minister and is involved in the formal appointment of the Prime Minister and other ministers
• The monarch is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and plays a ceremonial role in military events
• A formal body of advisers to the monarch, composed mostly of senior politicians, including members of the Cabinet is also known as the Privy Council.
• In the UK, 'The Crown' refers to the sate and the monarch's authority, it symbolizes legal and constitutional power

Parliament of the United Kingdom

• Responsible for making and passing laws, the Parliament consists of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords
• The Prime Minister serves as head of government and is responsible for running the country and making policy decisions
• The House of Commons is where Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected
• The House of Lords is the upper house of appointed members, including life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers
• There are 650 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons
• The House of Commons is elected and more powerful, while the House of Lords is appointed and acts mainly as a revising chamber.
• The Cabinet is a group of senior government ministers, chosen by the Prime Minister, responsible for making major policy decisions
• A proposed law is introduced as a bill, debated in both Houses of Parliament, and must receive royal assent to become law
• The judiciary interprets and applies the law, ensuring that it is upheld and that the rights of individuals are protected.
• The Queen's Speech outlines the government's agenda and priorities for the forthcoming year, delivered at the State Opening of Parliament
• Duties include opening Parliament, addressing MPs, and granting royal assent to legislation.
• The Lord Speaker presides over the House of Lords, ensuring that debates are conducted fairly and maintaining order
• The House of Lords can influence legislation, engage in debates, and provide a check on government actions through scrutiny.
• The Third reading is the stage in the House of Commons where a Bill is debated and voted on for approval
• The Speaker is an impartial figure responsible for maintaining order during parliamentary debates and ensuring that rules are followed.
• Hansard is the official transcript of debates in Parliament, so it provides a record of what was said by MPs
• A Constituency is a geographical area represented by an MP, from which they are elected to the House of Commons
• The monarch summons and dissolves Parliament

House of Lords

• Members include Life Peers (appointed by the monarch), Bishops, and Hereditary Peers
• An appointed upper chamber of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that reviews legislation and scrutinizes the government is the House of Lords
• The primary functions of the House of Lords include reviewing legislation, providing expertise and experience, and holding the government accountable.
• The number of members varies; as of October 2023, there are over 800 members
• The House of Lords reviews and suggests amendments to legislation proposed by the House of Commons, but it cannot ultimately block bills
• A "Crossbench" peer does not belong to any political party and contributes based on their expertise
• A member of the House of Lords who is not a government minister can propose of new legislation through a Private Members' Bill
• Only 92 hereditary peers can remain as members, following the House of Lords Act 1999, which significantly reduced their numbers
• Legislation is debated clause by clause, and members can propose amendments which are then voted on
• Select Committees are groups that investigate specific issues and report their findings to the House
• First Reading is an initial stage of a bill's passage, where it is introduced without debate

UK Devolution

• Devolution refers to the process by which certain powers are transferred from the UK Parliament to regional governments, such as those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
• The Welsh Government governs local authorities in Wales
• The Scottish Government is repsonsible for government policy in Scotland
• The Northern Ireland Assembly represents Northern Ireland's interests

Key Political Terms

• A significant economic plan introduced by the government, often causing market reactions is a "mini budget"
• A parliamentary vote that can remove the Prime Minister from power is a 'no confidence' vote
• Question Time is a period during which MPs can question government ministers, including the Prime Minister, about their work and policies.
• Whips are party officials responsible for maintaining party discipline and ensuring that MPs attend and vote according to the party line.
• A Bill is a proposal for new legislation or an amendment to existing legislation that must be approved by both Houses of Parliament.
• The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the government minister responsible for economic and financial matters, including the Treasury
• Backbenchers are MPs who do not hold government office or shadow government positions, typically sitting behind the frontbenchers
• The 'First Reading' is the formal introduction of a Bill to the House, where its title is read out and it is ordered to be printed
• A Vote of No Confidence is a vote that, if passed, indicates that the House does not support the government's leadership, potentially leading to its resignation
• A Green Paper is a discussion document that presents proposals for new legislation, inviting feedback before a White Paper is published
• A hung parliament occurs when no single party has an outright majority in the House of Commons

UK Geography and History

• The four main countries of the United Kingdom are England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
• London is the capital city of England
• Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland
• Cardiff is the capital city of Wales
• Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland
• The referendum took place in 2016 and the UK effectively left the EU in 2020
• Great Britain is composed of mainland countries (Wales, Scotland and England) while the UK also contains Northern Ireland
• "The Troubles" was a violent conflict from about 1968 to 1998 in Northern Ireland between Protestants
• also known as the Belfast Agreement, "The Good Friday Agreement" was a political deal designed to bring an end to 30 years of violent conflict in Northern Ireland
• England was a founding country when the Kingdom of Great Britain was formed in 1707
• Scotland joined the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707
• India gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947
• Northern Ireland was created in 1921, when it became part of the UK
• The North Sea borders the UK to the north

The Commonwealth

• A political association of mostly former territories of the British Empire, promoting economic and social development and cultural exchange is the British Commonwealth
• The British Commonwealth was Formally established after World War II, with significant developments occurring in the 1930 Statute of Westminster and the 1949 London Declaration
• Britain and the Dominions agreed that they were all equal members of a community within the British Empire at the 1926 conference, and all owed allegiance to the British king or queen
• The Commonwealth Secretary-General is responsible for promoting the values and goals of the organization
• The British monarch is the head of the Commonwealth
• Promoting democracy, human rights, and development among member nations is the Commonwealth's primary goal today
• An international multi-sport event held every four years, the Commonwealth Games involves athletes from Commonwealth nations
• The next Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland in 2026
• The London Declaration of 1949 allowed republics within the Commonwealth and established that membership was not dependent on the recognition of the British monarchy
• Outlining the core values and principles of the Commonwealth, is the significance of the Commonwealth Charter
• There are 54 member countries

Explore UK constituencies, mid-term elections, and election manifestos. Understand voter behavior, hung parliaments, and political leadership. Learn about the Commonwealth's role, goals, and response to human rights issues.