COUNTRY PROFILE: 
UNITED KINGDOM

profile3.html

BBC.Friday, 7 September, 2001, 09:09 GMT 10:09 UK

One hundred years ago, nearly a quarter of the world's people were controlled in some way by the British Empire. As the UK has divested itself of its overseas colonies, so it has developed its international role within organisations such as the United Nations - where it is a permanent member of the Security Council - and Nato.

The key policy questions facing the country now relate to the extent and pace of ties with the European Union, of which the UK has been a member since 1973.

OVERVIEW

| FACTS | LEADERS | MEDIA

Overt enthusiasts for Europe are rare in the UK. The majority of citizens are lukewarm, viewing British membership of the European Union as inevitable, rather than desirable.

'Eurosceptics' tend to place the emphasis on the UK's relationship with 
the United States and the rest of the world. All strands of opinion are united in wishing to limit European influence over the UK's sovereign interests.

Internally, the UK has undergone many changes in recent years. 
The decades-long sectarian conflict in northern Ireland appears closer 
to a permanent resolution. The process of devolving power from London passed an important milestone with the inauguration of the Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly in 1999.

UK manufacturing has declined rapidly. The economy - one of the largest in the world - is now services-based, with e-commerce of growing significance. The City of London is a global financial centre. Many Britons have never been richer, but a recent international study says the UK has the second highest child poverty rate in the European Union.

The UK is a major player in the arts. British actors, writers and musicians are known throughout the world, and the UK is always at the forefront of youth trends.

FACTS

Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II

Prime minister: Tony Blair

Tony Blair won a second successive electoral victory in June 2001. The size of his majority was almost as large as that of May 1997, when the Labour party formed a government after 18 years in opposition.

Blair defines his politics as "the third way". His social democracy recognises that free-market capitalism has virtues, but also emphasises the role of the state in developing social justice and equality.

So far, the UK has not joined European monetary union and adopted the euro as the national currency. Blair says his government will put the question to a referendum only when the economic conditions for membership are right.

Chancellor of the exchequer: Gordon Brown Foreign secretary: Jack Straw Home secretary: David Blunkett Defence secretary: Geoff Hoon

MEDIA

OVERVIEW

| FACTS | LEADERS | MEDIA
The British media are free and able to report on all aspects of British life. The variety of newspapers on sale reflects the full spectrum of public opinion and taste.

Television and radio licences are allocated and supervised by two bodies, the Independent Television Commission and the Radio Authority. The public service broadcaster, the BBC, is governed by Royal Charter and operates a self-regulatory system.

Terrestial television - both commercial and public service - is facing an increasing challenge from the proliferation of digital channels. The BBC is currently funded by a flat licence fee levied on all homes with a TV set.

The press

Daily Telegraph Financial Times The Guardian The Independent The Times The Sun The Mirror The Scotsman The Daily Mail The Daily Express

Television

BBC ITV Channel 4 Channel 5 ITN News Sky TV

Radio

BBC Radio - News, music and sport BBC World Service Virgin Radio - commercial pop station Talk Sport - national sports news Classic FM - classical music Atlantic 252 - commercial pop station

News Agency

Press Association News Centre

previous                    main page