THE

POLITICS
OF THE UK
GROUP 1: Nguyễn Thị Châm, Hoàng Thị Hà, Nguyễn Đinh Diệu Linh
 MONARCHY

While the British may not hold the current legal institutions in high esteem, they deeply honor
the principle of law. Although crimes occur, there is minimal systematic lawbreaking by large
sections of the population, distinguishing it from some nations where tax evasion is a common
practice. However, the British, despite respecting 'the law' as a concept, are relatively reserved
about introducing new laws. The prevailing sentiment is that, whenever possible, it is
preferable to have fewer laws. This inclination towards minimal regulation is evident in both
individual behavior and governmental actions. Notably, the absence of identity cards and
recent legislation allowing people to demand information from public bodies highlight
distinctive aspects of British life.

Firstly, Britain stands out as one of the few European countries without citizens holding
identity cards. Before the 1970s, most Britons went through life without possessing a
document specifically for identification purposes. British citizens are not obligated to carry
identification, even while driving, and have 24 hours to present their driving license if
requested by the police. Secondly, the right to demand information from public bodies was
only established in this century. Despite the Freedom of Information Act's title, acquiring
information often incurs fees, and some requests are denied on the grounds of 'not being in
the public interest.' Additionally, the '30-year rule' restricting access to government papers and
the Official Secrets Act emphasizing confidentiality in government work contribute to the
perception of identity and governmental information as private matters in Britain.
These aspects characterize the relationship between individuals and the state in Britain,
suggesting a traditional assumption that both entities should interfere with each other as little
as possible. The individual's duties to the state primarily involve adherence to the law and tax
payment, without compulsory national service or voting obligations. The British government
enjoys significant autonomy, and while the country is recognized as a democracy, public
participation in governing and lawmaking is minimal compared to other nations. Unlike
countries with frequent referendums, Britain's democracy centers more on selecting governing
authorities than active public involvement in decision-making processes.

Group 1- 01
 THE
GOVERNMENT
Britain is commonly characterized as having a 'two-party system,' with
over 85% of House of Commons seats typically occupied by members
from two major parties, one of which governs independently. This
situation is attributed to the electoral system and the historical
formation of British political parties within Parliament before extending
to the public. The eighteenth-century division of MPs into supporters
and critics of the government evolved, with the opposition party legally
recognized and led by the second-largest party's leader, known as the
'Leader of Her Majesty's Opposition.' Despite differing outlooks, both
major parties traditionally sought power through effective coalitions
rather than promoting singular political philosophies. Although the
Labour party initially formed outside Parliament to represent the
working class, it assimilated into the established framework when
becoming one of the dominant two parties. Smaller parties struggle to
challenge the dominance of larger ones, often seeing their good ideas
adopted by major parties to appeal to a broader population.

The origin of the party system inside Parliament leads to distinctive consequences. Unlike many
other countries, political parties in Britain do not permeate every aspect of public life. Elections
within institutions like universities or trade unions typically avoid national party divisions.
Additionally, party MPs wield significant control over party policies, while non-MP members influence
policy through electing party leaders, expressing views at annual conferences, and deciding local
candidates for elections.

However, these powers are constrained by

the importance of presenting a unified front.
Party policies are portrayed as potential
government policies, necessitating a facade of
unity to appear as a realistic governing
option. Party conferences, though televised,
often prioritize showcasing unity rather than
fostering genuine debate, serving to uplift
party morale and project a dynamic, unified
image to the public. Similarly, any internal
disagreements or rejection of recommended
candidates can be perceived as divisive.

Group 1- 02
THE PARLIAMENT
THE ATMOSPHERE OF PARLIAMENT
The design and layout inside of the meeting room of the House of Commons differ from the
interior of the parliament buildings in most other countries. These differences can tell us a lot
about what is distinctive about the British Parliament.
The seating arrangement in the House of Commons is characterized by two rows of benches
facing each other, with government MPs on the left and opposition MPs on the right. This
setup lacks the inclusivity found in a semi-circle, reinforcing a binary division in support or
opposition to the government. The absence of desks, podiums, and designated seating
encourages an informal atmosphere, promoting cooperation among MPs. The small size of the
room, designed without personal territories for MPs, contributes to a conversational tone
during speeches. The historical origin of this layout, originating from medieval church meeting
places, was deliberately maintained after the House was damaged in 1941, reflecting a
commitment to tradition. Detailed rules, such as addressing fellow MPs indirectly through the
chair, add formality and contribute to a sense of belonging among MPs as part of a distinct
group.

AN MP’S LIFE
Traditionally, Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK were envisioned as volunteers
representing the public, unpaid, and not pursuing politics as a career. This amateur ideal
favored those with wealth. Today, while British MPs are not highly paid, politics has become a
full-time profession.
The traditional notion of MPs having other jobs is reflected in the historic absence of morning
sittings in the House of Commons. However, the demanding reality of a modern MP's life
involves extensive work hours, committee activities, research, and addressing constituent
issues. Despite generous holidays, MPs work longer hours than most professionals,
sometimes debating through the night.
The challenging schedule and responsibilities leave little time for pursuing other careers or
family life, contributing to a higher divorce rate among politicians compared to the national
average. Despite the appearance of an easy life, the modern MP's role is demanding and
reflects a shift from the historical amateur ideal.
Group 1- 03
PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS
The House of Commons conducts its
business primarily through debates and
resolutions. During debates, proposals
are discussed, and resolutions are
passed to either accept or reject the
proposal. Resolutions often involve
framing new laws or approving
government plans related to taxation or
spending. Votes, known as 'divisions,'
are taken when necessary, requiring
Members of Parliament (MPs) to walk
through designated corridors based on
their stance (Ayes for agreement, Noes
for disagreement).
Aside from resolutions, the Commons
engages in committee work. Some
committees examine specific law
proposals, while others, composed of
around forty members, investigate
government activities in specific fields.
These committees represent the party
distribution in the Commons and
possess the authority to summon
individuals, like civil servants, to answer
their inquiries. Committees are gaining
importance in the overall functioning of
the Commons.
THE PARTY SYSTEM IN
PARLIAMENT
In the House of Commons, most
divisions, or votes, occur along party
lines, with MPs generally following their
party's directives. Whips, appointed
members within each major party, play a
crucial role in ensuring party discipline by
informing MPs how to vote. The tradition
dictates that a government must resign if
it loses a crucial vote. Whips act as
intermediaries between backbenchers
and the party leadership, influencing
promotions and maintaining party
cohesion. Rebellions, where MPs vote
against their party, are rare due to the
Whips' influence.
Occasionally, major parties permit a 'free
vote,' allowing MPs to vote based on
personal beliefs rather than party policy.
Important decisions, such as abolishing
the death penalty, introducing TV
cameras into the Commons, and banning
fox hunting, have been made through
free votes.
Group 1- 04
THE HOUSE OF LORDS
The House of Lords, the second chamber in
the British parliamentary system, serves a
consultative role, lacking real power but
providing detailed discussions on bills and
acting as a check on potential government
overreach. Its members, known as Lords,
were historically aristocrats, but reforms
introduced life peerages from 1958 onward,
enabling distinguished individuals to join for
life without passing the title to their
descendants.
Life peerages, awarded through the honors
system, became a way for older politicians to
contribute to public discourse without the
demands of the Commons. By the end of the
20th century, life peers dominated the Lords,
prompting reforms in 1999 that limited
hereditary peers to 92 while increasing life-
peerage appointments. The question of
further reform remains a challenge, with
debates on whether members should be
elected or appointed, considering the Lords'
value lies in members' independence from
party politics.
While there's a call for reform, the lack of
consensus on the composition of the House
of Lords complicates the process. The Lords'
independence, attributed to life
appointments, allows them to make decisions
based on merits rather than party allegiance.
The appointment process involves
recommendations from the Prime Minister,
political parties, or the House of Lords
Appointments Commission, an independent
body established in 2000.
Despite the reforms, a small hereditary
element remains in the House of Lords,
offering a glimpse into the past. The name
"House of Lords" persists without serious
discussion of change, reflecting a typically
British adherence to tradition, ensuring the
second chamber endures as a testament to
historical continuity.

Group 1- 05
 POLITICAL PARTIES
The British political system is a multiple-party system. Since the 1920s, the two dominant
parties have been the Conservative Party and the Labour Party. Before the Labour Party
rose in British politics, the Liberal Party was the other major political party, along with the
Conservatives.

LABOUR PARTY

The LGA Labour Group exists to provide a strong voice

for Labour in local government, descibed as an alliance
of social democrats, democratic socialists, and trade
unionists. They represent and support Labour Groups
in England and Wales and the Labour councillors
within them. In all general elections since 1922, Labour
has been either the governing party or the Official
Opposition. There have been six Labour prime
ministers and thirteen Labour ministries. Since the
2010 general election, it has been the second-largest
UK political party by the number of votes cast, behind
the Conservative Party and ahead of the Liberal
Democrats. The party holds the annual Labour Party
Conference.

Group 1- 06
 CONSERVATIVE PARTY
Conservative Group is the national voice for
Conservative Local Government. Conservatives are
leading the way in local government, embracing the new
localist agenda, protecting frontline services and offering
value for money.
The Conservative Party was founded in 1834 from the
Tory Party and was one of two dominant political parties
in the 19th century, along with the Liberal Party. Under
Benjamin Disraeli, it played a preeminent role in politics
at the height of the British Empire. In 1912, the Liberal
Unionist Party merged with the party to form the
Conservative and Unionist Party. Since the 1920s, the
Labour Party emerged to be the Conservatives' main
rival and the Conservative–Labour political rivalry has
shaped modern British politics for the last century.

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT PARTY

Under prime ministers Henry Campbell-Bannerman
(1905–1908) and H. H. Asquith (1908–1916), the
Liberal Party passed reforms that created a basic
welfare state.The Liberal Party was one of the two
major political parties in the United Kingdom, along
with the Conservative Party, in the 19th and early 20th
centuries.[3] Beginning as an alliance of Whigs, free
trade–supporting Peelites, and reformist Radicals in
the 1850s, by the end of the 19th century, it had
formed four governments under William Gladstone.
Despite being divided over the issue of Irish Home
Rule, the party returned to government in 1905 and
won a landslide victory in the 1906 general election.
Prominent intellectuals associated with the Liberal
Party include the philosopher John Stuart Mill, the
economist John Maynard Keynes, and social planner
William Beveridge. Winston Churchill authored
Liberalism and the Social Problem (1909), which was
praised by Henry William Massingham as "an
impressive and convincing argument" and is widely
considered the movement's bible.

Group 1- 07
 general election in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2017
Number of votes cast for political parties during the
ELECTIONS
There are five types of elections in the United Kingdom: elections to the House of
Commons of the United Kingdom (commonly called 'general elections' when all seats are
contested), elections to devolved parliaments and assemblies, local elections, mayoral
elections, and police and crime commissioner elections. Within each of those categories,
there may also be by-elections.In practice, it is the government which decides when to hold
an election. Elections are held on Election Day, which is conventionally a Thursday, and
under the provisions of the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022 the timing of
general elections can be held at the discretion of the prime minister during any five-year
period. The five electoral systems used are: the single member plurality system (first-past-
the-post), the multi-member plurality, the single transferable vote, the additional member
system, and the supplementary vote.
The Prime Minister is appointed by the monarch. The monarch's appointment of the Prime
Minister is guided by constitutional conventions. The political party that wins the most
seats in the House of Commons at a general election usually forms the new government.
Its leader becomes Prime Minister.
Local and national media report on election results. Many providing live coverage of the
results as they happen. Local authorities publish results for constituencies in their area.
The Electoral Commission publishes the national election results. It also publishes results
for individual constituencies. Following each general election, the House of Commons
Library produces a briefing paper providing full results and analysis.

Group 1- 08
 BREXIT

Brexit – British exit was the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European
Union (EU).
Britain officially joined the EU in 1973. In 1975, Britain had a referendum on withdrawing
from the EU, however, 67.2% of voters did not support it. After more than 40 years of
joining the EU, many British people believe that the relationship between the UK and the
EU does not bring benefits, and the UK is even negatively affected by the public debt crisis
in the Eurozone; the decline in EU competitiveness; the difference in democratic
awareness between the UK and other countries in the EU and the refugee crisis in Europe.
In January 2013, British Prime Minister David Cameron proposed holding a referendum on
Britain's EU membership in 2016.

On June 23, 2016, the referendum in the UK was officially conducted, attracting 71.8% of
voters, with more than 30 million people voting. The results showed that 51.9% of votes
agreed, while only 48.1% opposed Brexit. However, it will not be until the end of 2018 or
2019 that the UK can officially leave the EU because it takes the British Government about
2 years to negotiate the terms of withdrawal from the EU according to Article 50 of the
European Agreement.

Group 1- 09
 REFERENCES
O'driscoll, J., & Breckon, B. (1995). Britain. Oxford University Press.

Statista. (2024, February 13). General election: number of votes for political
parties in the UK 2017. https://www.statista.com/statistics/715997/general-
election-political-party-votes-uk/

Political groups. (n.d.). Local Government Association.

https://www.local.gov.uk/about/our-meetings-and-leadership/political-
composition/political-groups