Britain Has a New Prime Minister and Monarch. What’s Next?
After what Reuters describes as an “often bad-tempered and divisive leadership contest,” British Prime Minister Liz Truss was officially confirmed by Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 5.
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UK
Jamaica to Remove Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State
As Jamaica approaches its 60th anniversary of the end of British rule, it has also begun the process of removing Queen Elizabeth II as it head of state and transitioning into a republic, reports The Independent. Jamaica is one of 14 countries outside the United Kingdom that is classified as a Commonwealth, meaning that Queen Elizabeth II is still head of state, according to Time. A new head of state has already been selected from within the Jamaican government, with the overarching goal being a transition from Commonwealth to Republic.
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“Partygate” Covers Up Deeper Problems Within UK Media
In November of 2021, a series of rumors about social gatherings at Downing Street, the home and office of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, set off a spiraling crisis that put his career in jeopardy. According to Foreign Policy, Johnson’s residence hosted over a dozen gatherings with more than 100 staff. At the same time, COVID-19 restrictions kept working class Britons from “mixing, visiting elderly relatives, or attending the funerals of loved ones.”
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson May Lose Job Over “Partygate” Scandal
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s political career may be in danger as allegations swirl that he attended a 50-person Christmas party at 10 Downing Street while the rest of England was under lockdown. According to BBC News, Johnson also hosted a “bring your own booze” event with around 100 invitees in May of 2020. The revelations have sparked speculation Johnson may have to step down, and that a Conservative party election will determine a new party leader and prime minister.
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British MP Sir David Amess Killed in Stabbing Attack
For the second time in just five years, a British politician has died after an attack while meeting with constituents. The New York Times reports that on October 15, longstanding conservative Member of Parliament (MP) Sir David Amess was fatally stabbed inside of a church during a constituency surgery in Essex. The incident, quickly declared a terrorist attack, has sent shockwaves throughout the UK, raising concerns about the security of lawmakers in an increasingly tense political climate.
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UK Gas Shortages Ravage the Country
Britain faces historic shortages in fuel and consumer goods due to a lack of truck drivers. Industry groups cite Brexit as the main cause for the disruption, as many EU nationals who worked as truck drivers left the state in response to the motion of departure, reports The Washington Post.
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England Reverses Course on Vaccine Passports
On September 12, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his decision to scrap the introduction of vaccine passports. Johnson revealed this in his plans on how to manage COVID-19 in the winter months, according to Reuters.
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EU-UK Trade Talks Under Increased Pressure to Reach Agreement
The European Union and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations to reach a post-Brexit trade deal as soon as possible. Tariffs and quotas will be imposed, creating economic shocks for both if no trade deal is reached between the two parties by the end of the year.
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Brexit Talks Face New Crisis as British Legislature Threatens International Law
Brexit talks have hit a new crisis in the European Union (EU), with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowing to continue with a controversial bill that threatens to undermine Britain’s current exit agreement, and which many say breaks international law. According to CNBC, the proposed Internal Market Bill would give the British government the power to not consult the EU in aid cases regarding trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the EU. This move counteracts their initial withdraw agreement with the EU, signed in January.
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UK Prime Minister Tests Positive for Coronavirus
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, 24 hours after beginning to show mild symptoms.
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