Changes

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. Its [[head of state]] is King [[Charles III]], and its [[head of government]] is Prime Minister [[Andy Burnham]].  

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. Its [[head of state]] is King [[Charles III]], and its [[head of government]] is Prime Minister [[Andy Burnham]].  

The United Kingdom is a member of the [[United Nations]] and is rethinking its commitment to [[NATO]] after the disastrous actions of the U.S. [[Democrat]] [[Biden regime]] culminating in the [[Rape of Afghanistan]].<ref>[https://archive.is/JNSAP Nato allies urge rethink on alliance after Biden’s ‘unilateral’ Afghanistan exit], ''Financial Times'', Helen Warrell in London, Guy Chazan in Berlin and Richard Milne in Stockholm AUGUST 17 2021. </ref><ref>[https://archive.is/KmgYt Tom Tugendhat on Afghanistan: Six decades after Suez, we remain impotent in the face of US policy], August 16 2021, ''The Times''. <small>"The [[fall of Kabul]] is the biggest foreign policy disaster since [[Suez Crisis|Suez]]. The operation to seize the canal in 1956 symbolised the end of Britain’s global ambition and refocused us on [[NATO|Nato]] and alliances. It showed conclusively that the US could limit our actions and change our policy.  The fall of Kabul will be remembered for similar reasons: not just its abject failure, but also because it revealed the nature of US power and our inability to hold a separate line.  The redeployment of 2,500 US troops, half as many as it takes to crew a carrier, ended 20 years of British effort in Afghanistan and left thousands of British citizens under Taliban jurisdiction....The longer-term question is: what next? Is Britain’s [[foreign policy]] achievable given the past week? What are the implications for our alliances?...just like in Suez, we need to reset to make sure that a false narrative does not grow, and that means commitment.  Cuts to overseas engagement, whether defence, diplomacy, aid or trade, will look different today from how they did a week ago...." Tom Tugendhat is Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.</small</ref>

The United Kingdom is a member of the [[United Nations]] and is rethinking its commitment to [[NATO]] after the disastrous actions of the U.S. [[Democrat]] [[Biden regime]] culminating in the [[Rape of Afghanistan]].<ref>[https://archive.is/JNSAP Nato allies urge rethink on alliance after Biden’s ‘unilateral’ Afghanistan exit], ''Financial Times'', Helen Warrell in London, Guy Chazan in Berlin and Richard Milne in Stockholm AUGUST 17 2021.</ref><ref>[https://archive.is/KmgYt Tom Tugendhat on Afghanistan: Six decades after Suez, we remain impotent in the face of US policy], August 16, 2021, ''The Times''. <small>"The [[fall of Kabul]] is the biggest foreign policy disaster since [[Suez Crisis|Suez]]. The operation to seize the canal in 1956 symbolised the end of Britain’s global ambition and refocused us on [[NATO|Nato]] and alliances. It showed conclusively that the US could limit our actions and change our policy.  The fall of Kabul will be remembered for similar reasons: not just its abject failure, but also because it revealed the nature of US power and our inability to hold a separate line.  The redeployment of 2,500 US troops, half as many as it takes to crew a carrier, ended 20 years of British effort in Afghanistan and left thousands of British citizens under Taliban jurisdiction....The longer-term question is: what next? Is Britain’s [[foreign policy]] achievable given the past week? What are the implications for our alliances?...just like in Suez, we need to reset to make sure that a false narrative does not grow, and that means commitment.  Cuts to overseas engagement, whether defence, diplomacy, aid or trade, will look different today from how they did a week ago...." Tom Tugendhat is Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.</small</ref>

British values, culture and institutions were spread throughout many parts of the world during the period of the [[British Empire]], 1600-1960, and British contributions to world culture include the English language, the [[parliament]]ary form of government, the [[Church of England|Anglican]] Church ("Church of England"), a tradition of personal liberty, and the [[common law]] legal system.  But in the 21st century the UK government has become a [[Leftist]] tool of [[liberal censorship]], flagging as white supremacy works by [[Shakespeare]], [[George Orwell]]'s ''[[1984]]'', and [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]’s ''[[Lord of the Rings]]''.

British values, culture and institutions were spread throughout many parts of the world during the period of the [[British Empire]], 1600–1960, and British contributions to world culture include the English language, the [[parliament]]ary form of government, the [[Church of England|Anglican]] Church ("Church of England"), a tradition of personal liberty, and the [[common law]] legal system.  But in the 21st century the UK government has become a [[Leftist]] tool of [[liberal censorship]], flagging as white supremacy works by [[Shakespeare]], [[George Orwell]]'s ''[[1984]]'', and [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]’s ''[[Lord of the Rings]]''.

==Name==

==Name==

===Ethnic tensions===

===Ethnic tensions===

[[File:British prisons in 2024.PNG|right|300px|thumb|]]

[[File:British prisons in 2024.PNG|right|300px|thumb]]

Britain is home to 2.4 million Muslims from numerous ethnicities. This population is growing 10 times faster than the national average. Regarded as one of the most tolerant countries in Europe, Britain struggles with questions of Islamic integration, as well as the psychological aftermath of the July 2005 suicide bombings on London's public transport system carried out by young Britons of Pakistani descent, which left 52 people dead and over 700 injured.

Britain is home to 2.4 million Muslims from numerous ethnicities. This population is growing 10 times faster than the national average. Regarded as one of the most tolerant countries in Europe, Britain struggles with questions of Islamic integration, as well as the psychological aftermath of the July 2005 suicide bombings on London's public transport system carried out by young Britons of Pakistani descent, which left 52 people dead and over 700 injured.

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{{clear}}

==Religion==

==Religion==

[[File:Canterbury Cathedral.jpg|thumb|left|350px|Canterbury Cathedral (photographed during 1890-1900).]]

[[File:Canterbury Cathedral.jpg|thumb|left|350px|Canterbury Cathedral (photographed during 1890–1900).]]

Religious faith, according to a 2011 survey, has declined sharply in Britain over the last two decades. Now only 42% of people describe themselves as Christian, as opposed to 66% in 1990. Most of the decline is due to a drift away from the Church of England, it is claimed, with only 20% claiming allegiance, down from 40%.  

Religious faith, according to a 2011 survey, has declined sharply in Britain over the last two decades. Now only 42% of people describe themselves as Christian, as opposed to 66% in 1990. Most of the decline is due to a drift away from the Church of England, it is claimed, with only 20% claiming allegiance, down from 40%.  

The 2019 journal article ''When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?'' published in ''PSU Research Review'' indicates: "Among three scenarios, the most likely mid-point migration scenario identifies 13 countries where the Muslim population will be majority between years 2085 and 2215: Cyprus (in year 2085), Sweden (2125), France (2135), Greece (2135), Belgium (2140), Bulgaria (2140), Italy (2175), Luxembourg (2175), the UK (2180), Slovenia (2190), Switzerland (2195), Ireland (2200) and Lithuania (2215). The 17 remaining countries will never reach majority in the next 200 years".<ref>[https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/PRR-12-2018-0034/full/html When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?], Pierre Rostan, Alexandra Rostan, PSU Research Review, ISSN: 2399-1747, Open Access. Article publication date: 28 August 2019 Reprints & Permissions, Issue publication date: 28 August 2019</ref>

The 2019 journal article ''When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?'' published in ''PSU Research Review'' indicates: "Among three scenarios, the most likely mid-point migration scenario identifies 13 countries where the Muslim population will be majority between years 2085 and 2215: Cyprus (in year 2085), Sweden (2125), France (2135), Greece (2135), Belgium (2140), Bulgaria (2140), Italy (2175), Luxembourg (2175), the UK (2180), Slovenia (2190), Switzerland (2195), Ireland (2200) and Lithuania (2215). The 17 remaining countries will never reach majority in the next 200 years".<ref>[https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/PRR-12-2018-0034/full/html When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?], Pierre Rostan, Alexandra Rostan, PSU Research Review, ISSN: 2399-1747, Open Access. Article publication date: 28 August 2019 Reprints & Permissions, Issue publication date: 28 August 2019</ref>

None of this is an exact science, and [http://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol19/16/19-16.pdf some demographers] say total fertility rate overestimates the lifetime fertility of immigrants because it doesn’t adjust for the fact that they tend to have children soon after arriving.<ref>[http://blogs.channel4.com/factcheck/factcheck-will-britain-have-a-muslim-majority-by-2050/13690 FactCheck: will Britain have a Muslim majority by 2050?]</ref>}}

None of this is an exact science, and [http://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol19/16/19-16.pdf some demographers] say total fertility rate overestimates the lifetime fertility of immigrants because it doesn't adjust for the fact that they tend to have children soon after arriving.<ref>[http://blogs.channel4.com/factcheck/factcheck-will-britain-have-a-muslim-majority-by-2050/13690 FactCheck: will Britain have a Muslim majority by 2050?]</ref>}}

At the same time, over several decades/centuries, silent demographic changes due to higher fertility rates can have large scale consequences.<ref>

At the same time, over several decades/centuries, silent demographic changes due to higher fertility rates can have large scale consequences.<ref>

''See also:'' [[United Kingdom's nanny state approach to the coronavirus pandemic]]

''See also:'' [[United Kingdom's nanny state approach to the coronavirus pandemic]]

In July of 2021, ''Der Spiegel'' indicated that [[Finland]] was the best at handling the [[coronavirus]] pandemic based on an index based on excess mortality, restrictions on people's lives and [[liberty]], [[GDP]] performance and vaccination coverage.<ref>[https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/der_spiegel_finland_best_at_handling_pandemic/12017084 Der Spiegel: Finland best at handling pandemic], https://yle.fi/ website, July 7, 2021</ref> See: [[Essay: An observation about the countries that handled the coronavirus pandemic well so far. And let's look at Finland.|An observation about the countries that handled the coronavirus pandemic well so far. And let's look at Finland.]]

In July 2021, ''Der Spiegel'' indicated that [[Finland]] was the best at handling the [[coronavirus]] pandemic based on an index based on excess mortality, restrictions on people's lives and [[liberty]], [[GDP]] performance and vaccination coverage.<ref>[https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/der_spiegel_finland_best_at_handling_pandemic/12017084 Der Spiegel: Finland best at handling pandemic], https://yle.fi/ website, July 7, 2021</ref> See: [[Essay: An observation about the countries that handled the coronavirus pandemic well so far. And let's look at Finland.|An observation about the countries that handled the coronavirus pandemic well so far. And let's look at Finland.]]

While Finland did a good job of handling the coronavirus, the coronavirus pandemic turned the UK into a bigger [[nanny state]] than it was before the pandemic.

While Finland did a good job of handling the coronavirus, the coronavirus pandemic turned the UK into a bigger [[nanny state]] than it was before the pandemic.

''City Journal'' is one of the world's premier urban-policy magazines, “the Bible of the new urbanism,” as London’s ''Daily Telegraph'' puts it.<ref>[https://www.city-journal.org/about ABOUT CITY JOURNAL]</ref>

''City Journal'' is one of the world's premier urban-policy magazines, “the Bible of the new urbanism,” as London's ''Daily Telegraph'' puts it.<ref>[https://www.city-journal.org/about ABOUT CITY JOURNAL]</ref>

In the autumn of 2021, Lionel Shriver published the article [https://www.city-journal.org/united-kingdom-servile-response-to-covid-19-pandemic ''The Most Frightened Nation''] with the byline ''Why the United Kingdom will never be the same'' which stated:

In the autumn of 2021, Lionel Shriver published the article [https://www.city-journal.org/united-kingdom-servile-response-to-covid-19-pandemic ''The Most Frightened Nation''] with the byline ''Why the United Kingdom will never be the same'' which stated:

===Recent politics===

===Recent politics===

[[File:Photo 2025-09-27 08-53-51.jpg|right|300px|thumb|September 24, 2025.]]

[[File:Photo 2025-09-27 08-53-51.jpg|right|300px|thumb|September 24, 2025.]]

The British identity crisis is like watching a retired lion try to adopt a vegan diet. They traded imperial confidence for an HR department’s sensitivity training. The land of Churchill is now governed by a sprawling “[[nanny state]]” [[bureaucracy]] that is more terrified of offending someone on [[X]] than it is of actual decline. The British police, once the envy of the world, now seem to spend more resources investigating “non-crime [[hate]] incidents” and painting their patrol cars in rainbow colors than solving burglaries. It is a nation desperately clinging to the aesthetics of tradition—the Royals, the pomp, the tea—while its institutions have been hollowed out by a [[progressive]] rot that makes a [[California]] university campus look [[conservative]]. They want the swagger of the 19th century but are paralyzed by the emotional fragility of the 21st.<ref>https://x.com/Arrogance_0024/status/1998505132904911225</ref>

The British identity crisis is like watching a retired lion try to adopt a vegan diet. They traded imperial confidence for an HR department's sensitivity training. The land of Churchill is now governed by a sprawling “[[nanny state]]” [[bureaucracy]] that is more terrified of offending someone on [[X]] than it is of actual decline. The British police, once the envy of the world, now seem to spend more resources investigating “non-crime [[hate]] incidents” and painting their patrol cars in rainbow colors than solving burglaries. It is a nation desperately clinging to the aesthetics of tradition—the Royals, the pomp, the tea—while its institutions have been hollowed out by a [[progressive]] rot that makes a [[California]] university campus look [[conservative]]. They want the swagger of the 19th century but are paralyzed by the emotional fragility of the 21st.<ref>https://x.com/Arrogance_0024/status/1998505132904911225</ref>

[[Reform UK]] opposes [[Ukraine aid]] and gas ordered to remove [[Ukrainian]] flags from municipalities where it won in recent elections. The YouGov poll shows that it would currently lead all British parties, winning 311 seats in parliament. To form a majority, it would need just 15 more seats. The overwhelming majority of new votes that [[Nigel Farage]]'s party received previously went to the [[UK Labour Party]] (which currently governs the country). Reform UK currently has 27% of the vote, while the Labour Party, which came second in the poll, has 21%.

[[Reform UK]] opposes [[Ukraine aid]] and gas ordered to remove [[Ukrainian]] flags from municipalities where it won in recent elections. The YouGov poll shows that it would currently lead all British parties, winning 311 seats in parliament. To form a majority, it would need just 15 more seats. The overwhelming majority of new votes that [[Nigel Farage]]'s party received previously went to the [[UK Labour Party]] (which currently governs the country). Reform UK currently has 27% of the vote, while the Labour Party, which came second in the poll, has 21%.

By the mid-1990s, gestures toward peace encouraged by successive British governments and by President Clinton began to open the door for restored local government in Northern Ireland. An Irish Republican Army (IRA) cease-fire and nearly 2 years of multiparty negotiations, led by former U.S. Senator George Mitchell, resulted in the Good Friday Agreement of 10 April 1998, which was subsequently approved by majorities in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Key elements of the agreement include devolved government, a commitment of the parties to work toward "total disarmament of all paramilitary organisations," police reform, and enhanced mechanisms to guarantee human rights and equal opportunity. The Good Friday Agreement also called for formal cooperation between the Northern Ireland institutions and the Government of the Republic of Ireland, and it established the British-Irish Council, which includes representatives of the British and Irish Governments as well as the devolved Governments of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Devolved government was reestablished in Northern Ireland in December 1999.  

By the mid-1990s, gestures toward peace encouraged by successive British governments and by President Clinton began to open the door for restored local government in Northern Ireland. An Irish Republican Army (IRA) cease-fire and nearly 2 years of multiparty negotiations, led by former U.S. Senator George Mitchell, resulted in the Good Friday Agreement of 10 April 1998, which was subsequently approved by majorities in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Key elements of the agreement include devolved government, a commitment of the parties to work toward "total disarmament of all paramilitary organisations," police reform, and enhanced mechanisms to guarantee human rights and equal opportunity. The Good Friday Agreement also called for formal cooperation between the Northern Ireland institutions and the Government of the Republic of Ireland, and it established the British-Irish Council, which includes representatives of the British and Irish Governments as well as the devolved Governments of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Devolved government was reestablished in Northern Ireland in December 1999.  

The Agreement (more commonly known as the "Good Friday Agreement", and more rarely as the Belfast Agreement<ref>http://www.nio.gov.uk/index/key-issues/the-agreement.htm</ref>) was reached on Friday, April 10, 1998 in Belfast and provides for a 108-member elected Assembly, overseen by a 12-minister Executive Committee (cabinet) in which unionists and nationalists share leadership responsibility. Northern Ireland elects 18 representatives to the Westminster Parliament in London. However, the five Sinn Féin Members of Parliament (MPs), who won seats in the 2004 election, have refused to claim their seats.  

The Agreement (more commonly known as the "Good Friday Agreement", and more rarely as the Belfast Agreement<ref>http://www.nio.gov.uk/index/key-issues/the-agreement.htm</ref>) was reached on Friday, April 10, 1998, in Belfast and provides for a 108-member elected Assembly, overseen by a 12-minister Executive Committee (cabinet) in which unionists and nationalists share leadership responsibility. Northern Ireland elects 18 representatives to the Westminster Parliament in London. However, the five Sinn Féin Members of Parliament (MPs), who won seats in the 2004 election, have refused to claim their seats.  

===Crown Dependencies===

===Crown Dependencies===

A referendum to [[Brexit|leave the EU]] was successfully held on June 23, 2016. In accordance with a [[Conservative Party]] manifesto commitment, the legal basis for a referendum was established by the passage of the European Union Referendum Act 2015 by the British Parliament. It was the third plebiscite held throughout the United Kingdom, and the second time the British electorate had been asked to vote on the issue of European Union membership: the first was held in 1975, when it was known as the EEC. Membership was approved in that referendum by 67% of voters – but the nature of the EU changed dramatically since then.<ref>Adrian Williamson, [http://www.historyandpolicy.org/policy-papers/papers/the-case-for-brexit-lessons-from-1960s-and-1970s The Case for Brexit: Lessons from the 1960s and 1970s], History and Policy (2015).</ref> The referendum result, to leave the European Union, was a historic victory for conservative eurosceptics, and the next day, liberal prime minister [[David Cameron]], who had supported EU membership despite its many flaws and no real benefits, resigned.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36615028 Brexit: David Cameron to quit after UK votes to leave EU]. ''BBC''. June 24, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2016.</ref><ref>Gross, Jenny; Winning, Nicholas (June 24, 2016). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-k-s-brexit-vote-throws-political-scene-into-disarray-1466786724 Brexit Vote Throws U.K. Political Scene Into Disarray]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 15, 2016.</ref> Another winner was conservative Eurosceptic [[Nigel Farage]].

A referendum to [[Brexit|leave the EU]] was successfully held on June 23, 2016. In accordance with a [[Conservative Party]] manifesto commitment, the legal basis for a referendum was established by the passage of the European Union Referendum Act 2015 by the British Parliament. It was the third plebiscite held throughout the United Kingdom, and the second time the British electorate had been asked to vote on the issue of European Union membership: the first was held in 1975, when it was known as the EEC. Membership was approved in that referendum by 67% of voters – but the nature of the EU changed dramatically since then.<ref>Adrian Williamson, [http://www.historyandpolicy.org/policy-papers/papers/the-case-for-brexit-lessons-from-1960s-and-1970s The Case for Brexit: Lessons from the 1960s and 1970s], History and Policy (2015).</ref> The referendum result, to leave the European Union, was a historic victory for conservative eurosceptics, and the next day, liberal prime minister [[David Cameron]], who had supported EU membership despite its many flaws and no real benefits, resigned.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36615028 Brexit: David Cameron to quit after UK votes to leave EU]. ''BBC''. June 24, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2016.</ref><ref>Gross, Jenny; Winning, Nicholas (June 24, 2016). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-k-s-brexit-vote-throws-political-scene-into-disarray-1466786724 Brexit Vote Throws U.K. Political Scene Into Disarray]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 15, 2016.</ref> Another winner was conservative Eurosceptic [[Nigel Farage]].

In 31th January of 2020 the United Kingdom started the transition period of leaving the European Union in which a trade deal should be negociated until January 2021.

On 31 January 2020 the United Kingdom started the transition period of leaving the European Union in which a trade deal should be negotiated until January 2021.

=== United Kingdom's parliament and homosexuality ===

=== United Kingdom's parliament and homosexuality ===

It was the Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron who introduced same-sex marriage in March 2014, despite significant opposition within his party. He has said this was one of his proudest achievements during his first term as Prime Minister.<ref>[https://time.com/3858341/westminster-gay-parliament/ The U.K. Now Has More Gay Lawmakers Than Any Other Country], Time magazine,  May 14, 2015</ref>}}

It was the Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron who introduced same-sex marriage in March 2014, despite significant opposition within his party. He has said this was one of his proudest achievements during his first term as Prime Minister.<ref>[https://time.com/3858341/westminster-gay-parliament/ The U.K. Now Has More Gay Lawmakers Than Any Other Country], Time magazine,  May 14, 2015</ref>}}

In 2021, the British newspaper ''The Times'' noted that "Britain has most gay parliament in the world".<ref>[https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/britain-has-most-gay-parliament-in-the-world-use-it-as-force-for-good-0wcgczznk Britain has most gay parliament in the world — use it as force for good] by Crispin Blunt, The Times, May 18 2021</ref>

In 2021, the British newspaper ''The Times'' noted that "Britain has most gay parliament in the world".<ref>[https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/britain-has-most-gay-parliament-in-the-world-use-it-as-force-for-good-0wcgczznk Britain has most gay parliament in the world — use it as force for good] by Crispin Blunt, The Times, May 18, 2021</ref>

===Recent politics===

===Recent politics===

===Readiness===

===Readiness===

In January 2024 it was reported that the Royal Navy was forced to advertise for a top job on social media in a move described as “utterly shameful” by military sources. Navy chiefs posted the advertisement for the £150,000-a-year rear-admiral position on LinkedIn in December as it struggled to fill the role internally. The chosen candidate would replace Rear-Admiral Simon Asquith as director of submarines and would be responsible for “elite operations” and the nation’s nuclear deterrent.

In January 2024 it was reported that the Royal Navy was forced to advertise for a top job on social media in a move described as “utterly shameful” by military sources. Navy chiefs posted the advertisement for the £150,000-a-year rear-admiral position on LinkedIn in December as it struggled to fill the role internally. The chosen candidate would replace Rear-Admiral Simon Asquith as director of submarines and would be responsible for “elite operations” and the nation's nuclear deterrent.

In January 2024 two British warships collided in a harbor in [[Bahrain]], causing damage to both vessel. The HMS Chiddingfold appeared to reverse into the HMS Bangor as it was at a dock, according to video posted on social media.

In January 2024 two British warships collided in a harbor in [[Bahrain]], causing damage to both vessel. The HMS Chiddingfold appeared to reverse into the HMS Bangor as it was at a dock, according to video posted on social media.

In February 2024 one of Britain’s two aircraft carriers, HMS Prince of Wales, failed to depart for NATO’s Steadfast Defender military exercises as intended. While it was not immediately clear why the HMS Prince of Wales did not depart on schedule, it took a whole day for the ship to finally set sail. This hiccup came just about a week after HMS Queen Elizabeth, the British Royal Navy flagship and the Prince of Wales’ sister ship ended up stuck in the dock after an issue with the ship’s starboard propeller was found.

In February 2024 one of Britain's two aircraft carriers, HMS Prince of Wales, failed to depart for NATO's Steadfast Defender military exercises as intended. While it was not immediately clear why the HMS Prince of Wales did not depart on schedule, it took a whole day for the ship to finally set sail. This hiccup came just about a week after HMS Queen Elizabeth, the British Royal Navy flagship and the Prince of Wales’ sister ship ended up stuck in the dock after an issue with the ship's starboard propeller was found.

HMS Prince of Wales’s breakdown in August 2022 requiring extended repair work has not enhanced the RN’s image and provided perfect fodder for mainstream media always keen to exaggerate problems with aircraft carriers. . . Very shortly after sailing from Portsmouth on 27th August a coupling that joins sections of the starboard propeller shaft failed, causing significant damage to the shaft, propeller and some superficial damage to the rudder. The ship was subsequently dry docked in Rosyth inspection and repair. It has emerged the coupling break was the result of vibration caused because the shaft was out of alignment, something that was known about long before the carrier first left the shipyard in 2019.  

HMS Prince of Wales's breakdown in August 2022 requiring extended repair work has not enhanced the RN's image and provided perfect fodder for mainstream media always keen to exaggerate problems with aircraft carriers. . . Very shortly after sailing from Portsmouth on 27 August a coupling that joins sections of the starboard propeller shaft failed, causing significant damage to the shaft, propeller and some superficial damage to the rudder. The ship was subsequently dry docked in Rosyth inspection and repair. It has emerged the coupling break was the result of vibration caused because the shaft was out of alignment, something that was known about long before the carrier first left the shipyard in 2019.  

In February 2024 a British nuclear missile test launch failed at a site off the coast of [[Florida]], marking the second time in eight years that the country’s Trident 2 [[ballistic missile]]s have malfunctioned during trials.

In February 2024 a British nuclear missile test launch failed at a site off the coast of [[Florida]], marking the second time in eight years that the country's Trident 2 [[ballistic missile]]s have malfunctioned during trials.

===NATO war in Ukraine===

===NATO war in Ukraine===

{{See also|NATO war in Ukraine|Bucha massacre}}

{{See also|NATO war in Ukraine|Bucha massacre}}

[[File:UK Secretary with swastikas.PNG|right|300px|thumb|British Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps posing with a Ukrainian tank decorated with [[swastika]]s.]]

[[File:UK Secretary with swastikas.PNG|right|300px|thumb|British Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps posing with a Ukrainian tank decorated with [[swastika]]s.]]

During the events leading up to the Russian intervention in the [[Ukraine civil conflict]] in 2022, Russian foreign minister [[Sergey Lavrov]] asked U.K. foreign secretary [[Elizabeth Truss]] whether London recognizes Moscow’s sovereignty over the regions of Rostov and Voronezh.  Truss replied that the UK “will never recognize Russia’s sovereignty over these regions.”  British Ambassador to Russia Deborah Bronnert had to intervene and remind the Foreign Secretary that these two regions are actually considered Russian territory even by the United Kingdom and in fact those regions have been part of Russia for over 1,000 years.<ref>https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/biden-warns-world-war-whils-truss-says-rostov-and-voronezh-are-not-russian</ref>

During the events leading up to the Russian intervention in the [[Ukraine civil conflict]] in 2022, Russian foreign minister [[Sergey Lavrov]] asked U.K. foreign secretary [[Elizabeth Truss]] whether London recognizes Moscow's sovereignty over the regions of Rostov and Voronezh.  Truss replied that the UK “will never recognize Russia’s sovereignty over these regions.”  British Ambassador to Russia Deborah Bronnert had to intervene and remind the Foreign Secretary that these two regions are actually considered Russian territory even by the United Kingdom and in fact those regions have been part of Russia for over 1,000 years.<ref>https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/biden-warns-world-war-whils-truss-says-rostov-and-voronezh-are-not-russian</ref>

In mid-April 2022, ''[[The Times]]'' of London reported: “British special forces have trained local troops in Kyiv for the first time since the war with Russia began”.<ref>[https://archive.is/5CG2z SAS troops ‘are training local forces in Ukraine’], Catherine Philp, ''The Times'', April 15 2022. www.thetimes.co.uk/</ref> The article said two Ukrainian battalions had received instruction over the previous fortnight in the use of "NLAWs, British-supplied anti-tank missiles that were delivered in February [2022] as the invasion was beginning.”  A year later, ''Declassified UK'' revealed that 50 elite British troops were in [[Ukraine]], citing a leaked US intelligence file.<ref>[https://www.declassifieduk.org/u-s-intel-leak-reveals-50-elite-british-troops-in-ukraine/ U.S. INTEL LEAK REVEALS 50 ELITE BRITISH TROOPS IN UKRAINE], PHIL MILLER, ''Declassified UK'', 11 APRIL 2023. www.declassifieduk.org</ref> The UK contingent was three times larger than any other ally. Among those who claimed to have been trained by UK special forces was Daniil Lyashuk, who had previously been convicted of torture by a Ukrainian court.<ref>[https://www.declassifieduk.org/pro-isis-fighter-in-ukraine-had-uk-missiles-and-boasted-of-sas-training/ PRO-ISIS FIGHTER IN UKRAINE RECEIVED UK MISSILES AND ‘SAS TRAINING’], PHIL MILLER, ''Declassified UK'', 4 MAY 2023. www.declassifieduk.or</ref>

In mid-April 2022, ''[[The Times]]'' of London reported: “British special forces have trained local troops in Kyiv for the first time since the war with Russia began”.<ref>[https://archive.is/5CG2z SAS troops ‘are training local forces in Ukraine’], Catherine Philp, ''The Times'', April 15, 2022. www.thetimes.co.uk/</ref> The article said two Ukrainian battalions had received instruction over the previous fortnight in the use of "NLAWs, British-supplied anti-tank missiles that were delivered in February [2022] as the invasion was beginning.”  A year later, ''Declassified UK'' revealed that 50 elite British troops were in [[Ukraine]], citing a leaked US intelligence file.<ref>[https://www.declassifieduk.org/u-s-intel-leak-reveals-50-elite-british-troops-in-ukraine/ U.S. INTEL LEAK REVEALS 50 ELITE BRITISH TROOPS IN UKRAINE], PHIL MILLER, ''Declassified UK'', 11 APRIL 2023. www.declassifieduk.org</ref> The UK contingent was three times larger than any other ally. Among those who claimed to have been trained by UK special forces was Daniil Lyashuk, who had previously been convicted of torture by a Ukrainian court.<ref>[https://www.declassifieduk.org/pro-isis-fighter-in-ukraine-had-uk-missiles-and-boasted-of-sas-training/ PRO-ISIS FIGHTER IN UKRAINE RECEIVED UK MISSILES AND ‘SAS TRAINING’], PHIL MILLER, ''Declassified UK'', 4 MAY 2023. www.declassifieduk.or</ref>

According to ''Declassified UK'', British Special Forces were seen to be operating in Ukraine by a [[Poland|Polish]] minister at the start of the [[Special Military Operation]].The minister said: “It was a time when the Russians were still standing in Bucha, and the route was a grey zone. It was possible to run into Russians. We passed the last checkpoint. The Ukrainians told us that we continue at our own risk. “Well, and who did we meet next? Ukrainian soldiers and… British special forces. Uniformed. With weapons. They moved with the Ukrainians in trucks and off-road vehicles with artillery radars. They were tracking targets."<ref>[https://www.declassifieduk.org/polish-minister-saw-uk-special-forces-operating-in-ukraine/ POLISH MINISTER ‘SAW UK SPECIAL FORCES OPERATING IN UKRAINE’], PHIL MILLER, ''Declassified UK'', 6 DECEMBER 2023. www.declassifieduk.org</ref>  

According to ''Declassified UK'', British Special Forces were seen to be operating in Ukraine by a [[Poland|Polish]] minister at the start of the [[Special Military Operation]].The minister said: “It was a time when the Russians were still standing in Bucha, and the route was a grey zone. It was possible to run into Russians. We passed the last checkpoint. The Ukrainians told us that we continue at our own risk. “Well, and who did we meet next? Ukrainian soldiers and… British special forces. Uniformed. With weapons. They moved with the Ukrainians in trucks and off-road vehicles with artillery radars. They were tracking targets."<ref>[https://www.declassifieduk.org/polish-minister-saw-uk-special-forces-operating-in-ukraine/ POLISH MINISTER ‘SAW UK SPECIAL FORCES OPERATING IN UKRAINE’], PHIL MILLER, ''Declassified UK'', 6 DECEMBER 2023. www.declassifieduk.org</ref>  

Operation Orbital is the UK program to train Ukrainian fascist forces for aggressive warfare since 2014.<ref>https://medium.com/voices-of-the-armed-forces/operation-orbital-explained-training-ukrainian-armed-forces-59405d32d604</ref>

Operation Orbital is the UK program to train Ukrainian fascist forces for aggressive warfare since 2014.<ref>https://medium.com/voices-of-the-armed-forces/operation-orbital-explained-training-ukrainian-armed-forces-59405d32d604</ref>

According to ''RIA Novosti'', British officers were abruptly redeployed to Kyiv on February 24, 2022 to command defense of the city from a headquarters set up in a school.  “A source in the Ukrainian Armed Forces said that after a swift offensive by a group of Russian troops on February 24 against Kiev, the British, who were assisting with intelligence to the ATO headquarters in Kramatorsk, moved to Kiev to lead the city’s defence from a headquarters based at school No 72″, – he said.<ref>https://en.news-front.info/2022/05/13/british-officers-already-working-in-kramatorsk-12-days-before-russian-special-operation-in-ukraine-begins/</ref>

According to ''RIA Novosti'', British officers were abruptly redeployed to Kyiv on February 24, 2022, to command defense of the city from a headquarters set up in a school.  “A source in the Ukrainian Armed Forces said that after a swift offensive by a group of Russian troops on February 24 against Kiev, the British, who were assisting with intelligence to the ATO headquarters in Kramatorsk, moved to Kiev to lead the city’s defence from a headquarters based at school No 72″, – he said.<ref>https://en.news-front.info/2022/05/13/british-officers-already-working-in-kramatorsk-12-days-before-russian-special-operation-in-ukraine-begins/</ref>

Former leader of the Socialist Party of Ukraine, Ilya Kiva said that the [[Bucha massacre]] was planned and prepared in advance by the [[counterintelligence]] of Ukraine, with the assistance of the British [[MI6]].  Kiva said,  

Former leader of the Socialist Party of Ukraine, Ilya Kiva said that the [[Bucha massacre]] was planned and prepared in advance by the [[counterintelligence]] of Ukraine, with the assistance of the British [[MI6]].  Kiva said,  

While Ukraine was losing 20,000 soldiers a month, [[Boris Johnson]] travelled to Kyiv to promise training for 10,000 soldiers every four months.<ref>https://youtu.be/Lj-Vj_YWYfE</ref>

While Ukraine was losing 20,000 soldiers a month, [[Boris Johnson]] travelled to Kyiv to promise training for 10,000 soldiers every four months.<ref>https://youtu.be/Lj-Vj_YWYfE</ref>

On June 19, 2022 Commander of UK Strategic Command Gen. Thomas Patrick wrote to the UK Royal Army troops, "There is now an urgent need to forge an army capable of fighting alongside our allies and defeating Russia in battle.  We are the generation that must prepare the Army to fight in Europe once again. There is now a burning imperative to forge an Army capable of fighting alongside our allies and defeating Russia in battle."<ref>https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/russia-ukraine-crisis/british-troops-must-prepare-to-fight-in-europe-once-again-says-uks-new-army-chief-articleshow.html</ref>

On June 19, 2022, Commander of UK Strategic Command Gen. Thomas Patrick wrote to the UK Royal Army troops, "There is now an urgent need to forge an army capable of fighting alongside our allies and defeating Russia in battle.  We are the generation that must prepare the Army to fight in Europe once again. There is now a burning imperative to forge an Army capable of fighting alongside our allies and defeating Russia in battle."<ref>https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/russia-ukraine-crisis/british-troops-must-prepare-to-fight-in-europe-once-again-says-uks-new-army-chief-articleshow.html</ref>

On July 11, 2022, the BBC reported that UK Special Forces were involved in the illegally killing of 54 unarmed detainees in [[Afghanistan]].<ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62083196</ref>

On July 11, 2022, the BBC reported that UK Special Forces were involved in the illegally killing of 54 unarmed detainees in [[Afghanistan]].<ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62083196</ref>

[[File:Zelensky and Boris.PNG|left|300px|thumb|Zelesnky and BoJo.  Boris Johnson sabotaged peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine in April 2022.  Tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers died needlessly in the following months.]]

[[File:Zelensky and Boris.PNG|left|300px|thumb|Zelesnky and BoJo.  Boris Johnson sabotaged peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine in April 2022.  Tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers died needlessly in the following months.]]

[[File:Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits Ukrainian troops training in North Yorkshire.jpeg|left|300px|thumb|Boris Johnson posing with Ukrainian special forces. Most were killed in an unsuccessful NATO raid on the [[Zaporozhye nuclear power plant]].]]

[[File:Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits Ukrainian troops training in North Yorkshire.jpeg|left|300px|thumb|Boris Johnson posing with Ukrainian special forces. Most were killed in an unsuccessful NATO raid on the [[Zaporozhye nuclear power plant]].]]

The sudden failure of the Istanbul agreement led to the immediate influx of mass amounts of the latest U.S. gear such as [[HIMAR]]s. Zelensky was secretly promised unlimited funding and military support as bait. Stuck between the path of peace or the chance to go down in history as the one man who could do what [[Genghis Khan]], [[Napoleon]], and [[Hitler]] could not do. Zelensky chose to put his faith in NATO’s invincibility.  Ukrainian journalist [[Diana Panchenko]] confirmed what happened:

The sudden failure of the Istanbul agreement led to the immediate influx of mass amounts of the latest U.S. gear such as [[HIMAR]]s. Zelensky was secretly promised unlimited funding and military support as bait. Stuck between the path of peace or the chance to go down in history as the one man who could do what [[Genghis Khan]], [[Napoleon]], and [[Hitler]] could not do. Zelensky chose to put his faith in NATO's invincibility.  Ukrainian journalist [[Diana Panchenko]] confirmed what happened:

{{quotebox-float|"I know for a fact that the war could have been stopped back in March. A man from Zelensky's inner circle told me: We simply ditched the Russians in March. He boasted about it... Friends, I know them all personally.

{{quotebox-float|"I know for a fact that the war could have been stopped back in March. A man from Zelensky's inner circle told me: We simply ditched the Russians in March. He boasted about it... Friends, I know them all personally.

The United Kingdom is a founding member of the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] (NATO) and historically it has been one of NATO's major European maritime, air, and land powers. However, in February 2023, after a United States general warned that the British army was no longer a top-level fighting force, Louise Jones who is head of intelligence at McKenzie Intelligence Service, indicated that the British military is no longer a tier 1 military due to its underfunding relative to the investments that other comparable countries have made to their militaries and that the UK would be flattering itself if it thinks it has a tier 2 military.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bUbwkSklhM In full: Is the army fighting fit?]</ref>   

The United Kingdom is a founding member of the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] (NATO) and historically it has been one of NATO's major European maritime, air, and land powers. However, in February 2023, after a United States general warned that the British army was no longer a top-level fighting force, Louise Jones who is head of intelligence at McKenzie Intelligence Service, indicated that the British military is no longer a tier 1 military due to its underfunding relative to the investments that other comparable countries have made to their militaries and that the UK would be flattering itself if it thinks it has a tier 2 military.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bUbwkSklhM In full: Is the army fighting fit?]</ref>   

[[File:The Economist propaganda.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Indians found Western propaganda during the Russo-Ukraine war highly offensive and racist. In this cartoon from the UK tabloid ''[[The Economist]]'', [[NATO]] powers attempted to intimidate India to sign on to condemnation of Russia for the [[false flag]] [[Bucha massacre]] of civilians committed by [[MI6]] and the [[Security Service of Ukraine]].<ref>https://youtu.be/ps6HuQRWcWY</ref>]]

[[File:The Economist propaganda.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Indians found Western propaganda during the Russo-Ukraine war highly offensive and racist. In this cartoon from the UK tabloid ''[[The Economist]]'', [[NATO]] powers attempted to intimidate India to sign on to condemnation of Russia for the [[false flag]] [[Bucha massacre]] of civilians committed by [[MI6]] and the [[Security Service of Ukraine]].<ref>https://youtu.be/ps6HuQRWcWY</ref>]]

The Tasmin News Agency reported on January 08, 2023:

The Tasmin News Agency reported on January 8, 2023:

{{Cquote|About 40,000 of the UK military’s 145,000 personnel have been officially classified as dangerously overweight or obese over the past five years, according to Ministry of Defense (MoD) statistics as cited by a British media outlet.

{{Cquote|About 40,000 of the UK military’s 145,000 personnel have been officially classified as dangerously overweight or obese over the past five years, according to Ministry of Defense (MoD) statistics as cited by a British media outlet.

The statistics also revealed that 5,200 obese or overweight British servicemen have been medically discharged since 2010, with scores of soldiers suffering from Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, Sputnik reported.

The statistics also revealed that 5,200 obese or overweight British servicemen have been medically discharged since 2010, with scores of soldiers suffering from Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, Sputnik reported.

The British Armed Forces are charged with protecting the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, promoting Britain's wider security interests, and supporting international peacekeeping efforts. The 37,000-member Royal Navy, which includes 6,000 Royal Marine commandos, is in charge of the United Kingdom's independent strategic nuclear arm, which consists of four Trident missile submarines. The British Army, consisting of approximately 99,200 personnel, the Royal Air Force, with 42,000 personnel, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, are active and regular participants in NATO and other coalition operations. Approximately 9% of the British Armed Forces is female, and 4% of British forces represent ethnic minorities.

The British Armed Forces are charged with protecting the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, promoting Britain's wider security interests, and supporting international peacekeeping efforts. The 37,000-member Royal Navy, which includes 6,000 Royal Marine commandos, is in charge of the United Kingdom's independent strategic nuclear arm, which consists of four Trident missile submarines. The British Army, consisting of approximately 99,200 personnel, the Royal Air Force, with 42,000 personnel, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, are active and regular participants in NATO and other coalition operations. Approximately 9% of the British Armed Forces is female, and 4% of British forces represent ethnic minorities.

In May 2021 the UK announced a plan to slash 9,500 soldiers from the British Army from 82,000 to just 72,500.<ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56477900</ref>  On June 28, 2022 Chief of General Staff General Patrick Sanders said at a [[RUSI]] conference: “The war in Ukraine reminds us of the utility of Land Power: it takes an army to hold and regain territory and defend the people. It takes an Army to deter. If this battle came, we would likely be outnumbered at the point of attack and fighting like hell […] You can’t cyber your way across a river. No single platform, capability, or tactic will unlock the problem.”

In May 2021 the UK announced a plan to slash 9,500 soldiers from the British Army from 82,000 to just 72,500.<ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56477900</ref>  On June 28, 2022, Chief of General Staff General Patrick Sanders said at a [[RUSI]] conference: “The war in Ukraine reminds us of the utility of Land Power: it takes an army to hold and regain territory and defend the people. It takes an Army to deter. If this battle came, we would likely be outnumbered at the point of attack and fighting like hell […] You can’t cyber your way across a river. No single platform, capability, or tactic will unlock the problem.”

An email sent from [[Hunter Biden]] to his business partner [[Devon Archer]] on April 13, 2014 contained information from a classified [[U.S. State Department]] memo one week before Joe Biden visited Ukraine to meet prime minister [[Arseniy Yatsenyuk]]. The email predicted an escalation of Russia’s “destabilization campaign, which could lead to a full scale takeover of the eastern region, most critically [[Donetsk]]":

An email sent from [[Hunter Biden]] to his business partner [[Devon Archer]] on April 13, 2014, contained information from a classified [[U.S. State Department]] memo one week before Joe Biden visited Ukraine to meet prime minister [[Arseniy Yatsenyuk]]. The email predicted an escalation of Russia's “destabilization campaign, which could lead to a full scale takeover of the eastern region, most critically [[Donetsk]]":

{{quotebox-float|“The strategic value is to create a land bridge for [[Russia|RU]] to [[Crimea]]. That won’t directly affect [[Burisma]] holdings but it will limit future [[UK]] exploration and utilization of offshore opportunities in particular.

{{quotebox-float|“The strategic value is to create a land bridge for [[Russia|RU]] to [[Crimea]]. That won’t directly affect [[Burisma]] holdings but it will limit future [[UK]] exploration and utilization of offshore opportunities in particular.

===Pakistan===

===Pakistan===

The Pakistani [[ISI]] maintains extensive ties with British intelligence services. <ref>https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8698901/Pakistani-spies-in-the-Houses-of-Parliament.html</ref> Additionally, the UK hosts dozens of Pakistan Army officers on training courses each year, including at the Joint Services Command and Staff College. <ref>https://theprint.in/world/after-army-chiefs-visit-to-pakistan-uk-pushing-for-deeper-military-and-intelligence-ties/1615022/</ref>

The Pakistani [[ISI]] maintains extensive ties with British intelligence services.<ref>https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8698901/Pakistani-spies-in-the-Houses-of-Parliament.html</ref> Additionally, the UK hosts dozens of Pakistan Army officers on training courses each year, including at the Joint Services Command and Staff College.<ref>https://theprint.in/world/after-army-chiefs-visit-to-pakistan-uk-pushing-for-deeper-military-and-intelligence-ties/1615022/</ref>

===Iraq===

===Iraq===

</blockquote>

</blockquote>

The Iraq Inquiry is conducted to identify lessons that can be learned from the Iraq conflict; the inquiry is concerned over Mr. Blair's evidence on the legal advice he received before agreeing to join the invasion, and the timing of the decision to go to war. [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/chilcot-to-grill-blair-on-how-he-misled-iraq-war-inquiry-2185725.html] The Chair of the Inquiry, Sir John Chilcot (1939) was Staff Counsellor to the Security and Intelligence Agencies (1999-2004) and the National Criminal Intelligence Service (2002–06).

The Iraq Inquiry is conducted to identify lessons that can be learned from the Iraq conflict; the inquiry is concerned over Mr. Blair's evidence on the legal advice he received before agreeing to join the invasion, and the timing of the decision to go to war. [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/chilcot-to-grill-blair-on-how-he-misled-iraq-war-inquiry-2185725.html] The Chair of the Inquiry, Sir John Chilcot (1939) was Staff Counsellor to the Security and Intelligence Agencies (1999–2004) and the National Criminal Intelligence Service (2002–06).

===Afghanistan===

===Afghanistan===

Democrat socialist leader [[Joe Biden]] of the United States assured key allies at the June 2021 [[G7]] Summit in [[Cornwall]] that he would maintain enough of a security presence in Afghanistan to ensure they could continue to operate in the capital following the main U.S. withdrawal.  Biden promised Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other leaders that “critical U.S. enablers” would remain in place to keep Kabul safe following the drawdown of NATO forces.  British officials determined the U.S. would provide enough personnel to ensure that the U.K. embassy in Kabul could continue operating.

Democrat socialist leader [[Joe Biden]] of the United States assured key allies at the June 2021 [[G7]] Summit in [[Cornwall]] that he would maintain enough of a security presence in Afghanistan to ensure they could continue to operate in the capital following the main U.S. withdrawal.  Biden promised Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other leaders that “critical U.S. enablers” would remain in place to keep Kabul safe following the drawdown of NATO forces.  British officials determined the U.S. would provide enough personnel to ensure that the U.K. embassy in Kabul could continue operating.

But the withdrawal of U.S. forces saw the Afghan government collapse as Taliban fighters raced across the country, culminating in scenes of chaos at Kabul’s airport. The British embassy was evacuated.  The UK foreign minister faced calls to resign over the inability to extract people on the ground, ''Bloomberg'' reported.<ref> https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-20/biden-assured-allies-in-june-u-s-would-ensure-kabul-s-stability?sref=MTy2GeXk</ref>

But the withdrawal of U.S. forces saw the Afghan government collapse as Taliban fighters raced across the country, culminating in scenes of chaos at Kabul's airport. The British embassy was evacuated.  The UK foreign minister faced calls to resign over the inability to extract people on the ground, ''Bloomberg'' reported.<ref>https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-20/biden-assured-allies-in-june-u-s-would-ensure-kabul-s-stability?sref=MTy2GeXk</ref>

The circumstances surrounding the U.S. withdrawal served as a wake-up call to the anti-Trump elements in Great Britain who colluded with [[fake news]] [[mainstream media]] outlets, the [[2016 Hillary Clinton presidential campaign|Hillary Clinton campaign]], and the U.S. [[intelligence community]] to interfere in American elections and sabotage the presidency of [[Donald Trump]], of the reluctance of Washington to operate as a global policeman.  During the Rape of Afghanistan, Biden ignored [[UK]] [[Prime Minister]] [[Boris Johnson]]'s frantic phone calls for 36 hours.<ref>https://pjmedia.com/vodkapundit/2021/08/20/special-relationship-biden-ghosted-johnson-over-bungled-bugout-n1471066</ref>

The circumstances surrounding the U.S. withdrawal served as a wake-up call to the anti-Trump elements in Great Britain who colluded with [[fake news]] [[mainstream media]] outlets, the [[2016 Hillary Clinton presidential campaign|Hillary Clinton campaign]], and the U.S. [[intelligence community]] to interfere in American elections and sabotage the presidency of [[Donald Trump]], of the reluctance of Washington to operate as a global policeman.  During the Rape of Afghanistan, Biden ignored [[UK]] [[Prime Minister]] [[Boris Johnson]]'s frantic phone calls for 36 hours.<ref>https://pjmedia.com/vodkapundit/2021/08/20/special-relationship-biden-ghosted-johnson-over-bungled-bugout-n1471066</ref>

According to the U.K . ''Telegraph'',  

According to the U.K . ''Telegraph'',  

[[File:KabulHasFallen.png|right|300px|thumb|]]

[[File:KabulHasFallen.png|right|300px|thumb]]

{{quotebox-float|“Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal was condemned as “catastrophic” and “shameful” on Wednesday as the [[Houses of Parliament]] delivered an unprecedented rebuke to a US president.  MPs and peers from across the political spectrum, including [[Boris Johnson]], put some blame for the Taliban’s takeover and the chaos that followed on Britain’s closest ally.  Mr Biden was accused of “throwing us and everybody else to the fire” by pulling out US troops, and was called “dishonourable” for criticising Afghan forces for not having the will to fight.  Former defence chiefs who led British troops in the Middle East were among those to speak out, while there were warnings that the West’s withdrawal would embolden Russia and China.

{{quotebox-float|“Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal was condemned as “catastrophic” and “shameful” on Wednesday as the [[Houses of Parliament]] delivered an unprecedented rebuke to a US president.  MPs and peers from across the political spectrum, including [[Boris Johnson]], put some blame for the Taliban’s takeover and the chaos that followed on Britain’s closest ally.  Mr Biden was accused of “throwing us and everybody else to the fire” by pulling out US troops, and was called “dishonourable” for criticising Afghan forces for not having the will to fight.  Former defence chiefs who led British troops in the Middle East were among those to speak out, while there were warnings that the West’s withdrawal would embolden Russia and China.

[…] Labour MP Chris Bryant called Mr Biden’s remarks about Afghan soldiers “some of the most shameful comments ever from an American president”.  Khalid Mahmood, a Labour MP and former defence minister, said: “The Biden government have just come in and, without looking at what is happening on the ground, have taken a [[unilateral]] decision, throwing us and everybody else to the fire.” <ref>[https://archive.is/YkOPb#selection-517.0-535.24 Parliament holds Joe Biden in contempt over Afghanistan], By Ben Riley-Smith, ''The Telegraph'', 18 August 2021.</ref>}}

[…] Labour MP Chris Bryant called Mr Biden’s remarks about Afghan soldiers “some of the most shameful comments ever from an American president”.  Khalid Mahmood, a Labour MP and former defence minister, said: “The Biden government have just come in and, without looking at what is happening on the ground, have taken a [[unilateral]] decision, throwing us and everybody else to the fire.” <ref>[https://archive.is/YkOPb#selection-517.0-535.24 Parliament holds Joe Biden in contempt over Afghanistan], By Ben Riley-Smith, ''The Telegraph'', 18 August 2021.</ref>}}

Ben Wallace, [[UK]] defence secretary, broke down in tears saying, “some would not get back” from Afghanistan. “It’s sad. Twenty years of sacrifice is what it is."<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/afghanistan-taliban-uk-ben-wallace-b1903193.html NewsUKUK Politics

Ben Wallace, [[UK]] defence secretary, broke down in tears saying, “some would not get back” from Afghanistan. “It’s sad. Twenty years of sacrifice is what it is."<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/afghanistan-taliban-uk-ben-wallace-b1903193.html NewsUKUK Politics Defence secretary breaks down in tears and admits ‘some won’t get back’ from Afghanistan], Adam Forrest, ''The Independent'', August 16, 2021.

Defence secretary breaks down in tears and admits ‘some won’t get back’ from Afghanistan], Adam Forrest, ''The Independent'', August 16, 2021.

</ref>  Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab concluded that Britain would have to turn to Russia and China to assist with exercising a "moderating influence" over the Taliban despite a deep mistrust of both regimes. Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Tom Tugendhat wrote,  

</ref>  Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab concluded that Britain would have to turn to Russia and China to assist with exercising a "moderating influence" over the Taliban despite a deep mistrust of both regimes. Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Tom Tugendhat wrote,  

[[File:Biden Imbecile.PNG|left|300px|thumb|''Sunday Mirror'', August 22, 2021.<ref>https://www.pressreader.com/uk/sunday-mirror/20210822/page/1</ref>]]

[[File:Biden Imbecile.PNG|left|300px|thumb|''Sunday Mirror'', August 22, 2021.<ref>https://www.pressreader.com/uk/sunday-mirror/20210822/page/1</ref>]]

{{quotebox-float|"The [[fall of Kabul]] is the biggest foreign policy disaster since [[Suez Crisis|Suez]]. The operation to seize the canal in 1956 symbolised the end of [[British Empire|Britain’s global ambition]] and refocused us on Nato and alliances. It showed conclusively that the US could limit our actions and change our policy.  The fall of Kabul will be remembered for similar reasons: not just its abject failure, but also because it revealed the nature of US power and our inability to hold a separate line.  The redeployment of 2,500 US troops, half as many as it takes to crew a carrier, ended 20 years of British effort in Afghanistan and left thousands of British citizens under Taliban jurisdiction....The longer-term question is: what next? Is Britain’s [[foreign policy]] achievable given the past week? What are the implications for our alliances?...just like in Suez, we need to reset to make sure that a false [[narrative]] does not grow, and that means commitment.  Cuts to overseas engagement, whether defence, diplomacy, aid or trade, will look different today from how they did a week ago...." <ref>[https://archive.is/KmgYt Tom Tugendhat on Afghanistan: Six decades after Suez, we remain impotent in the face of US policy], August 16 2021, ''The Times''.</ref>}}

{{quotebox-float|"The [[fall of Kabul]] is the biggest foreign policy disaster since [[Suez Crisis|Suez]]. The operation to seize the canal in 1956 symbolised the end of [[British Empire|Britain’s global ambition]] and refocused us on Nato and alliances. It showed conclusively that the US could limit our actions and change our policy.  The fall of Kabul will be remembered for similar reasons: not just its abject failure, but also because it revealed the nature of US power and our inability to hold a separate line.  The redeployment of 2,500 US troops, half as many as it takes to crew a carrier, ended 20 years of British effort in Afghanistan and left thousands of British citizens under Taliban jurisdiction....The longer-term question is: what next? Is Britain’s [[foreign policy]] achievable given the past week? What are the implications for our alliances?...just like in Suez, we need to reset to make sure that a false [[narrative]] does not grow, and that means commitment.  Cuts to overseas engagement, whether defence, diplomacy, aid or trade, will look different today from how they did a week ago...." <ref>[https://archive.is/KmgYt Tom Tugendhat on Afghanistan: Six decades after Suez, we remain impotent in the face of US policy], August 16, 2021, ''The Times''.</ref>}}

Former Tory prime minister [[Theresa May]] said  "What does it say about NATO if we are entirely dependent on a unilateral decision taken by the United States? ... Did we feel we just had to follow the United States and hope that on a wing and a prayer it'd be all right on the night?"  Former Labour prime minister [[Tony Blair]] slammed Biden's "imbecilic" retreat.<ref>https://archive.is/2D8am#selection-491.1-491.56</ref>  Blair said the "deep politicisation" of US foreign policy was "visibly atrophying" American influence, and claimed the debacle over the withdrawal risked Britain being relegated to the "second division" of global powers.

Former Tory prime minister [[Theresa May]] said  "What does it say about NATO if we are entirely dependent on a unilateral decision taken by the United States? ... Did we feel we just had to follow the United States and hope that on a wing and a prayer it'd be all right on the night?"  Former Labour prime minister [[Tony Blair]] slammed Biden's "imbecilic" retreat.<ref>https://archive.is/2D8am#selection-491.1-491.56</ref>  Blair said the "deep politicisation" of US foreign policy was "visibly atrophying" American influence, and claimed the debacle over the withdrawal risked Britain being relegated to the "second division" of global powers.

===China===

===China===

On June 13, 2024 the Embassy spokesperson for the [[Peoples Republic of China]] in London issued a statement that read in part:

On June 13, 2024, the Embassy spokesperson for the [[Peoples Republic of China]] in London issued a statement that read in part:

:''"The relevant sanctions by the UK are a unilateral action with no basis in [[international law]]...We are firmly opposed to it and have made solemn representations to the UK side...The UK government, in disregard of [[public opinion]] at home and in the world, has been fueling the tension...This has contributed to the protracted [[war]] and sufferings and made [[peace]] even more elusive...Instead of reflecting on its own egregious behaviour, the UK has framed charges to sanction entities of China and other countries...This fully exposes the [[hypocrisy]] on the part of the UK.''<ref>[https://gb.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/PressandMedia/Spokepersons/202406/t20240614_11435871.htm Embassy Spokesperson on UK sanctions against Chinese entities], 2024-06-13. gb.china-embassy.gov.cn</ref>

:''"The relevant sanctions by the UK are a unilateral action with no basis in [[international law]]...We are firmly opposed to it and have made solemn representations to the UK side...The UK government, in disregard of [[public opinion]] at home and in the world, has been fueling the tension...This has contributed to the protracted [[war]] and sufferings and made [[peace]] even more elusive...Instead of reflecting on its own egregious behaviour, the UK has framed charges to sanction entities of China and other countries...This fully exposes the [[hypocrisy]] on the part of the UK.''<ref>[https://gb.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/PressandMedia/Spokepersons/202406/t20240614_11435871.htm Embassy Spokesperson on UK sanctions against Chinese entities], 2024-06-13. gb.china-embassy.gov.cn</ref>

=== Economic History ===

=== Economic History ===

[[File:London.jpg|thumb|right|280px|London's financial center.]]

[[File:London.jpg|thumb|right|280px|London's financial center.]]

In 1960, the United Kingdom had the fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of $75 billion.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_largest_historical_GDP</ref> In 1965, the UK got surpassed by France, getting to fifth place, with a GDP of $100 billion. In 1970, the fast-growing Japanese economy surpassed the UK, bumping it to 6th place. In 1975, the UK got $240 billion, in 1980 it got $540 billion, and in 1985, the UK declined slightly to $535 billion. But the top 6 stayed the same, the United States, Soviet Union, Japan, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. In 1990, Italy humiliated the UK, by putting the UK at 7th, despite booming to $1.1 trillion. In 1995, the UK grew to $1.325 trillion, bumping both Italy's curving economy and Russia's collapsing economy. In 2000, the UK went to $1.445 trillion, surpassing its longtime-rival-but-ally France, thus getting to 4th. In 2005, the UK boomed to $2.5 trillion dollars, keeping its 4th. In 2010, the UK declined to $2.25 trillion, getting bumped to 6th. In 2015, however, the UK got to $2.863 trillion, surpassing France again. In 2020, the booming Indian economy surpassed the UK, with $2.8 trillion (a small decline), bumping it to 6th.

In 1960, the United Kingdom had the fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of $75 billion.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_largest_historical_GDP</ref> In 1965, the UK got surpassed by France, getting to fifth place, with a GDP of $100 billion. In 1970, the fast-growing Japanese economy surpassed the UK, bumping it to 6th place. In 1975, the UK got $240 billion, in 1980 it got $540 billion, and in 1985, the UK declined slightly to $535 billion. But the top 6 stayed the same, the United States, Soviet Union, Japan, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. In 1990, Italy humiliated the UK, by putting the UK at 7th, despite booming to $1.1 trillion. In 1995, the UK grew to $1.325 trillion, bumping both Italy's curving economy and Russia's collapsing economy. In 2000, the UK went to $1.445 trillion, surpassing its longtime-rival-but-ally France, thus getting to 4th. In 2005, the UK boomed to $2.5 trillion, keeping its 4th. In 2010, the UK declined to $2.25 trillion, getting bumped to 6th. In 2015, however, the UK got to $2.863 trillion, surpassing France again. In 2020, the booming Indian economy surpassed the UK, with $2.8 trillion (a small decline), bumping it to 6th.

=== Currency ===

=== Currency ===

====British Expansion and Empire====

====British Expansion and Empire====

The '''British Empire''' was the largest empire in history and, for over a century, was the foremost global power. It was a product of the Age of Discovery, which began with the maritime explorations of the 15th century, that sparked the era of the European [[Colonialism|colonial]] empires.  By 1921, the British Empire held sway over a population of about 458 million people, approximately one-quarter of the world's population.<ref>Angus Maddison. ''The World Economy: A Millennial Perspective'' (p. 98, 242). [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]], Paris, 2001.</ref> It covered about 36.7 million km² (14.2 million square miles),<ref>Bruce R. Gordon. [http://www.hostkingdom.net/earthrul.html ''To Rule the Earth...''] (See [http://www.hostkingdom.net/Bibliography.html Bibliography] for sources used.)</ref> about a quarter of Earth's total land area. As a result, its political, linguistic and cultural legacy is widespread. At the peak of its power, it was often said that "The empire on which the sun never sets|the sun never sets on the British Empire" because its span across the globe ensured that the sun was always shining on at least one of its numerous [[colonies]] or subject nations.<ref>This phrase had already been used a few centuries before by the king [[Charles I of Spain]], referring to the [[Spanish Empire]].</ref>

The '''British Empire''' was the largest empire in history and, for over a century, was the foremost global power. It was a product of the Age of Discovery, which began with the maritime explorations of the 15th century, that sparked the era of the European [[Colonialism|colonial]] empires.  By 1921, the British Empire held sway over a population of about 458 million people, approximately one-quarter of the world's population.<ref>Angus Maddison. ''The World Economy: A Millennial Perspective'' (p. 98, 242). [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]], Paris, 2001.</ref> It covered about 36.7 million km² (14.2 million square miles),<ref>Bruce R. Gordon. [http://www.hostkingdom.net/earthrul.html ''To Rule the Earth...''] (See [http://www.hostkingdom.net/Bibliography.html Bibliography] for sources used.)</ref> about a quarter of Earth's total land area. As a result, its political, linguistic and cultural legacy is widespread. At the peak of its power, it was often said that "The empire on which the sun never sets|the sun never sets on the British Empire" because its span across the globe ensured that the sun was always shining on at least one of its numerous [[colonies]] or subject nations.<ref>This phrase had already been used a few centuries before by the king [[Charles I of Spain]], referring to the [[Spanish Empire]].</ref>

Begun initially to support William the Conqueror's (c. 1029-1087) holdings in France, Britain's policy of active involvement in continental European affairs endured for several hundred years. By the end of the 14th century, foreign trade, originally based on wool exports to Europe, had emerged as a cornerstone of national policy.  

Begun initially to support William the Conqueror's (c. 1029–1087) holdings in France, Britain's policy of active involvement in continental European affairs endured for several hundred years. By the end of the 14th century, foreign trade, originally based on wool exports to Europe, had emerged as a cornerstone of national policy.  

During the five decades following [[World War II]], most of the territories of the Empire became independent. Many went on to join the [[Commonwealth of Nations]], a free association of independent states.<ref>T. O. Lloyd, ''The British Empire, 1558-1995. 2nd ed. (1996).</ref> Some have retained the British monarch as their [[head of state]] to become independent Commonwealth realms.

During the five decades following [[World War II]], most of the territories of the Empire became independent. Many went on to join the [[Commonwealth of Nations]], a free association of independent states.<ref>T. O. Lloyd, ''The British Empire, 1558-1995. 2nd ed. (1996).</ref> Some have retained the British monarch as their [[head of state]] to become independent Commonwealth realms.

{{See also|Victorian era}}

{{See also|Victorian era}}

[[File:Bradford Industrial Museum.jpg|thumb|right|Bradford Industrial Museum.]]

[[File:Bradford Industrial Museum.jpg|thumb|right|Bradford Industrial Museum.]]

Britain's [[industrial revolution]] greatly strengthened its ability to oppose Napoleonic France. By the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815, Britain was the foremost European power, and its navy ruled the seas. Peace in Europe allowed the British to focus their interests on more remote parts of the world, and, during this period, the British Empire reached its zenith. British colonial expansion reached its height largely during the reign of [[Queen Victoria]] (1837-1901). [[Victorian era|Queen Victoria's]] reign witnessed the spread of British technology, commerce, language, and government throughout the British Empire, which, at its greatest extent, encompassed roughly one-fifth to one-quarter of the world's area and population. It is controversial whether British colonies accelerated or slowed Britain's economic growth, for its growth rate fell below nations without empires, especially the U.S. and [[Germany]]. Democracy came in fits and starts in a series of reforms that finally, by the 1920s, allowed all adults to vote.

Britain's [[industrial revolution]] greatly strengthened its ability to oppose Napoleonic France. By the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815, Britain was the foremost European power, and its navy ruled the seas. Peace in Europe allowed the British to focus their interests on more remote parts of the world, and, during this period, the British Empire reached its zenith. British colonial expansion reached its height largely during the reign of [[Queen Victoria]] (1837–1901). [[Victorian era|Queen Victoria's]] reign witnessed the spread of British technology, commerce, language, and government throughout the British Empire, which, at its greatest extent, encompassed roughly one-fifth to one-quarter of the world's area and population. It is controversial whether British colonies accelerated or slowed Britain's economic growth, for its growth rate fell below nations without empires, especially the U.S. and [[Germany]]. Democracy came in fits and starts in a series of reforms that finally, by the 1920s, allowed all adults to vote.

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[[David Cameron]] became Prime Minister on May 11, 2010, after [[Gordon Brown]] resigned, and led a [[Conservative Party|Con]]-[[Liberal Democrats|Dem]] coalition in 2010.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8676607.stm "David Cameron and Nick Clegg pledge 'united' coalition"] ''BBC News'', Election 2010.</ref> In 2015, a general election was called<ref>Under the provisions of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 (c. 14), parliamentary elections in the UK must be held every five years, beginning in 2015. The Act received Royal Assent on 15 September 2011. Fixed-term Parliaments, where general elections ordinarily take place in accordance with a schedule set far in advance, were part of the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition agreement which was produced after the 2010 general election.</ref> and Cameron's Conservative Party won a majority of seats, against all odds.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/11599600/How-did-the-Conservatives-win-the-general-election.html "How did the Conservatives win the general election?"] ''The Daily Telegraph''</ref> It must be noted that despite its name, many supporters of the European Union and homosexual "marriage" are members of the Conservative Party.

[[David Cameron]] became Prime Minister on May 11, 2010, after [[Gordon Brown]] resigned, and led a [[Conservative Party|Con]]-[[Liberal Democrats|Dem]] coalition in 2010.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8676607.stm "David Cameron and Nick Clegg pledge 'united' coalition"] ''BBC News'', Election 2010.</ref> In 2015, a general election was called<ref>Under the provisions of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 (c. 14), parliamentary elections in the UK must be held every five years, beginning in 2015. The Act received Royal Assent on 15 September 2011. Fixed-term Parliaments, where general elections ordinarily take place in accordance with a schedule set far in advance, were part of the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition agreement which was produced after the 2010 general election.</ref> and Cameron's Conservative Party won a majority of seats, against all odds.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/11599600/How-did-the-Conservatives-win-the-general-election.html "How did the Conservatives win the general election?"] ''The Daily Telegraph''</ref> It must be noted that despite its name, many supporters of the European Union and homosexual "marriage" are members of the Conservative Party.

The United Kingdom (UK) website ''Fife Today'' reported in on July 27, 2022 on the [[United Kingdom's road repair crisis|UK's road repair crisis]]: "Over 1.5 million potholes were reported across the country, but the AA says the actual number is likely to be much higher as the figure does not include pothole on motorways and major roads, and many go unreported."<ref>[https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/fife-worst-in-scotland-for-potholes-3783174 Fife worst in Scotland for potholes], ''Fife Today'' website, July 27, 2022</ref> In 2018, UK roads ranked were ranked 27th in the world which was a ranking below [[Chile]] and [[Cyprus]].<ref>[https://news.motors.co.uk/news/uk-roads-ranked-worse-than-chile-and-cyprus-in-global-survey/ UK roads ranked worse than Chile and Cyprus in global survey], Motors.co.uk</ref>

The United Kingdom (UK) website ''Fife Today'' reported in on July 27, 2022, on the [[United Kingdom's road repair crisis|UK's road repair crisis]]: "Over 1.5 million potholes were reported across the country, but the AA says the actual number is likely to be much higher as the figure does not include pothole on motorways and major roads, and many go unreported."<ref>[https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/fife-worst-in-scotland-for-potholes-3783174 Fife worst in Scotland for potholes], ''Fife Today'' website, July 27, 2022</ref> In 2018, UK roads ranked were ranked 27th in the world which was a ranking below [[Chile]] and [[Cyprus]].<ref>[https://news.motors.co.uk/news/uk-roads-ranked-worse-than-chile-and-cyprus-in-global-survey/ UK roads ranked worse than Chile and Cyprus in global survey], Motors.co.uk</ref>

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