Make a very short comment on the assignment

There are many points of tension within the British society, linked to race, religion, and culture. Some of them affect the British people as a whole, and some only parts of them. One of these points of tension started early on, the British Empire. The British Empire was a symbol of greatness, and the main historical time that put England on the map for the rest of the world. There are seen to be two of them, the first British Empire, and the second. The second British Empire is what the majority of the global population thinks of today. It included, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, parts of the Middle East, southeast Asia and western, southern and eastern Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific islands, and most importantly, India. With the Empire including a quarter of the world’s population at its height, Britain not only received important political influence, but also economic influence. It was decided that the British colonies only were allowed to trade between themselves and the motherland, which meant that a considerable amount of the world’s goods were produced in the British Empire. (McCormick, 2018:15)

A rather recent, point of serious tension is Brexit. In 2016 the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, with 52 per cent to 48 per cent. This outcome was shocking to both the Labour and Conservative parties, as neither had made a considerable effort in the fight to remain in the European Union, the assumption being, that the voters would vote to remain. In light of the decision to leave, Prime Minister David Cameron stepped down with conservative Theresa May as replacement. May was faced with the political struggles of the turnout and the negotiations proceeded. The people of the United Kingdom deciding against remaining in the EU has had consequences thus far, above all considering trade and them being outside the borders, within which movement is largely free. (McCormick, 2018:29)

There are many more aspects of life which have caused, and still cause tension within British society, for example the monarchy, with it seen as English by many civilians, especially by the non-English UK members. Another is the countries of which the United Kingdom consists, and the roles they play in the governing of the Kingdom. 

Works Cited:

McCormick, John. Contemporary Britain. 4th ed., Palgrave, 2018.