Lessons 11–12 · 2 lessons · Sh. Ergashev, B. Xodjayev, J. Abdullayev. World History (1991–2017): textbook for Grade 11 of secondary schools and for students of secondary specialised and vocational institutions. 1st edition. “Turon-Iqbol”, Tashkent, 2018
12
The United Kingdom, 1991–2017
Textbook: pp. 55–59
GoalDescribe the United Kingdom’s political history after 1990, devolution and Brexit.
New words
devolution, the transfer of powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland · devolyutsiyathe Good Friday Agreement of 1998 on Northern Ireland · Yaxshi Juma kelishuviprime minister, the head of the British government · bosh vazirreferendum, a direct vote of citizens on a single question · referendum
Explanation
After the Conservatives under John Major (1990–1997), Tony Blair, leader of the Labour Party, became head of government in 1997. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 created the basis for settling the long conflict in Northern Ireland by peaceful means; in 1999 the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly were elected (devolution). In 2003 the United Kingdom took part with the USA in the Iraq war, which caused great controversy at home; on 7 July 2005 terrorist attacks in London killed 52 people. Under Gordon Brown (2007–2010) the financial crisis required bank rescue measures; then the coalition of David Cameron (2010–2016) cut spending. In the 2014 referendum in Scotland 55 per cent chose to remain in the United Kingdom and 45 per cent independence; in the referendum of 23 June 2016, 51.9 per cent supported leaving the EU and the country left on 31 January 2020. After Brexit Conservative governments led by Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak followed one another, and Labour won the election of July 2024; Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022 and King Charles III succeeded her.
Worked examples
Devolution: the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Parliament (Senedd) and the Northern Ireland Assembly decide many matters in their areas, such as education and health, while defence and foreign policy stay with London.
Stages of Brexit: 23 June 2016 – referendum; 29 March 2017 – the exit process formally began; 31 January 2020 – departure; 1 January 2021 – the new trade and cooperation agreement took effect.
Class activity
Make a timeline for Brexit and write one consequence under each date; then, playing a “leave” supporter or a “remain” supporter, prepare a two-minute speech.
Practice
1
When was the Good Friday Agreement signed and what was it about?
In 1998; about settling the long conflict in Northern Ireland peacefully and sharing power.
2
What was the result of the 2014 Scottish referendum?
About 55 per cent chose to stay in the United Kingdom and 45 per cent independence.
3
When was the Brexit referendum and what was its result?
On 23 June 2016; 51.9 per cent supported leaving and 48.1 per cent staying.
4
Why was there sharp debate in society over Brexit? Give two reasons.
Supporters stressed sovereignty and border control, while opponents feared that leaving the EU market would harm trade and jobs; the Northern Ireland border was also a difficult question.