Notes

Margaret Thatcher (1979–90)
- The modern political history of the United Kingdom (1979–present) began when Margaret Thatcher gained power in 1979 and began 18 years of Conservative government.
- The early years of the Thatcher government experienced a deep recession as the government tried to get inflation under control at the expense of employment.
- Made thatcher unpopular
- Thatcher advocated greater independence of the individual from the state; an end to allegedly excessive government interference in the economy, including privatization of state-owned enterprises and the sale of public housing to tenants; reductions in expenditures on social services such as health care, education, and housing; limitations on the printing of money in accord with the economic doctrine of monetarism; and legal restrictions on trade unions.
- The main impact of her first term was economic. Inheriting a weak economy, she reduced or eliminated some governmental regulations and subsidies to businesses, thereby purging the manufacturing industry of many inefficient firms.
- The result was a dramatic increase in unemployment, from 1.3 million in 1979 to more than double that figure two years later. At the same time, inflation doubled in just 14 months, to more than 20 percent, and manufacturing output fell sharply. Although inflation decreased and output rose before the end of her first term, unemployment continued to increase, reaching more than three million in 1986.

IRELAND
- Margaret Thatcher's relationship with Ireland was often controversial, particularly due to the long-running conflict in Northern Ireland between unionists (who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK) and nationalists (who wanted it to become part of the Republic of Ireland).
- Northern Ireland was in a violent phase. On the afternoon of 30 March ,1979, her spokesman on Northern Ireland, Airey Neave, was assassinated in a car bomb at Westminster, an attack which the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) later claimed responsibility for.
- Thatcher took a hardline approach to the conflict and was widely criticized for her handling of it. In 1981, she authorized the use of force-feeding on Irish republican prisoners who were on hunger strike in a British prison, which resulted in the deaths of ten prisoners. The incident drew international condemnation and led to protests in Ireland and elsewhere.
- Thatcher also supported the policy of internment, which allowed for the imprisonment of suspected IRA members without trial, and her government introduced the Prevention of Terrorism Act, which gave the police greater powers to detain and search suspects.
- However, Thatcher also played a role in the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985, which was a treaty signed in November 1985 between the governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The agreement aimed to improve relations between the two countries and to address the ongoing conflict.
- Under the terms of the agreement, the Irish government was given a consultative role in the governance of Northern Ireland for the first time. The agreement also established a framework for regular meetings between the two governments, and it committed both sides to work towards resolving the conflict through peaceful means.
- The agreement was met with opposition from some unionist politicians in Northern Ireland, who saw it as a concession to the nationalist community and a threat to Northern Ireland's status as part of the United Kingdom. However, the agreement was supported by many others, including the British and Irish governments and many nationalist politicians in Northern Ireland.
- Overall, the Anglo-Irish Agreement was seen as a significant step towards resolving the conflict in Northern Ireland, and it helped to pave the way for the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.

- The Falkland War conflict was fought between Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic that Argentina also claimed.
- When Argentina invaded the Falklands in April 1982, Thatcher ordered a task force to retake the islands. The British military launched a series of successful operations, including the sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano and the recapture of the capital city of Port Stanley.
- Thatcher's leadership during the war was widely praised, and her popularity in Britain surged as a result. Her government's victory in the conflict was seen as a significant military and political achievement, as it demonstrated Britain's determination to defend its overseas territories and its ability to project military power over long distances.
- It illuminated her most significant international relationship, with Ronald Reagan, president of the United States.
- Overall, the Falklands War and Thatcher's leadership during it remain a significant part of her legacy, and the conflict is remembered as one of the defining moments of her tenure as Prime Minister.
- Thatcher and Reagan, shared a vision of the world in which the Soviet Union was an evil enemy deserving of no compromise, and their partnership ensured that the Cold War continued in all its frigidity until the rise to power of the reform-minded Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985. In keeping with her strong anticommunism—a 1976 speech condemning communism earned her the nickname “Iron Lady” in the Soviet press and Thatcher strongly supported the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

John Major -
- Following Margaret Thatcher, John Major became Prime Minister and attempted to make peace between both party and country in the wake of a divisive decade. He took a leading role, alongside US President George HW Bush, in the first Gulf War, and survived an IRA mortar attack on Number 10 during a Cabinet meeting.
- Some of Major's notable achievements include:
- Negotiating the Maastricht Treaty: Major played a key role in negotiating the treaty that established the European Union in 1993, which helped to deepen the UK's ties with Europe.
- The Northern Ireland peace process: Major helped to bring an end to the decades-long conflict in Northern Ireland by negotiating the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which established a power-sharing government in the region.
- Economic policy: Major's government oversaw a period of economic growth in the mid-1990s, with low unemployment and low inflation.
- Education reform: Major introduced reforms to the education system, including the establishment of specialist schools and the introduction of a national curriculum.
However, Major also faced several challenges during his time in office, including:
- Economic recession: Major's government was forced to deal with a recession in the early 1990s, which led to high unemployment and rising public debt.
- Political scandals: Major's government was rocked by several high-profile political scandals, including allegations of financial impropriety among some Conservative Party MPs.
- Division within the Conservative Party: Major faced significant opposition from within his own party, particularly from Eurosceptics who opposed his pro-European stance and from those who were critical of his leadership style.

Overall, John Major's legacy is mixed, with some viewing him as a competent and pragmatic leader who oversaw important policy initiatives, while others criticize him for his handling of the economy and his failure to address the growing divisions within his own party.


Tony Blair
Some of Blair's achievements include:
- The Good Friday Agreement: Blair played a key role in negotiating the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which brought an end to the decades-long conflict in Northern Ireland.
- Economic policy: Blair's government oversaw a period of economic growth and low unemployment in the UK, and it introduced a number of important policy initiatives, such as the minimum wage and tax credits to support low-income families.
- Education and healthcare reform: Blair's government introduced a range of reforms to the education and healthcare systems, including increasing investment in public services and expanding access to higher education.
- International leadership: Blair was a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and he played an active role in shaping global policy on issues such as climate change and international development.
There were significant challenges, including:
- The Iraq War: Blair's decision to join the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 remains controversial, and many critics argue that the war was based on false information and ultimately contributed to instability in the Middle East.
- Public trust: Blair's government faced criticism for its handling of issues such as the Iraq War and the so-called "cash for honours" scandal, which led to accusations of cronyism and undermined public trust in government.
- Party divisions: Blair's government faced significant opposition from within his own party, particularly over issues such as his close relationship with the US and his support for the Iraq War.

Boris Johnson
Some of Boris Johnson's achievements include:
- Brexit: Johnson delivered on his campaign promise to leave the European Union, negotiating a withdrawal agreement and successfully leading the UK out of the EU in January 2020.
- COVID-19 response: Johnson's government responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with a range of measures, including the development and rollout of vaccines, financial support for businesses and individuals, and the introduction of lockdowns and other restrictions to control the spread of the virus.
- Infrastructure investment: Johnson has pledged to invest in major infrastructure projects, such as a high-speed railway and new roads, to boost economic growth and improve transport links.
- Education reform: Johnson has introduced reforms to the education system, including increased funding for schools and the establishment of new vocational training programs.

However, Johnson's time in office has also been marked by several challenges, including:
- COVID-19 crisis management: While Johnson's government has made efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, it has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, including the timing and effectiveness of lockdown measures and its communication with the public.
- Economic impact of Brexit: The UK's exit from the European Union has had significant economic impacts, including disruptions to trade and investment, and Johnson's government has faced criticism for its handling of the post-Brexit landscape.
- Controversies and scandals: Johnson has faced several controversies and scandals during his time in office, including accusations of cronyism (the appointment of friends and associates to positions of authority, without proper regard to their qualifications), conflicts of interest, and a series of personal scandals.

Brexit and Racism
- So why did the U.K. vote for something so politically and economically disruptive? Some say race has a lot to do with it — specifically, the racial tension that has resulted from the U.K.'s recently welcoming in record numbers of immigrants. In 2015, 630,000 foreign national migrants came to the U.K. from both inside and outside the EU. This year, the U.K. has ushered in an additional 333,000.
- The campaign to get the U.K. to leave the EU (also known as the "Leave" campaign) was spearheaded by the right-wing, populist UK Independence Party, or UKIP. The party, led by Member in the European Parliament Nigel Farage, says that the EU "means the end of the UK as an independent, self-governing nation with its own government and its own borders."
- Ethnic minorities in Britain faced rising and increasingly overt racism, with levels of discrimination and abuse continued to grow in the wake of the Brexit referendum.
- Seventy-one percent of people from ethnic minorities reported having faced racial discrimination, compared with 58% in January 2016, before the EU vote.

UK ECONOMY
- Economic liberalization: In the 1980s, the UK underwent a process of economic liberalization, with the government implementing policies to reduce state intervention in the economy and promote free-market principles. This included the privatization of state-owned industries, deregulation of financial markets, and reductions in trade barriers.
- The rise of the service sector: Over the last four decades, the UK economy has shifted away from manufacturing and towards the service sector, which now accounts for around 80% of GDP. This has been driven by factors such as technological advances, globalization, and changing consumer preferences.
- Automation and job displacement: Advances in automation and artificial intelligence have led to concerns about job displacement, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and transport. However, new jobs have also been created in areas such as technology and creative industries.
- Increasing inequality: Despite overall economic growth, inequality has increased in the UK over the last four decades, with the gap between rich and poor widening. This has been driven by factors such as changes in the labour market, the erosion of worker rights, and rising housing costs.

British Drill
- UK drill is a subgenre of drill music and road rap that originated in the South London district of Brixton from 2012 onwards.[1][2][3] Borrowing from the style of Chicago drill music and road rap, UK drill artists often rap about violent and criminal lifestyles. After Chicago drill gained international attention, London artists began to put their own spin on the genre with local slang.

- In just four short years, drill has grown and evolved significantly. From within the scene, producers have been drawing influence from increasingly unexpected sources like Afrobeats, grime, bashment, R&B, ’80s pop.
- The lyrics often reflect the harsh realities of life in urban areas, with references to gang activity, drug dealing, and poverty.
- On one hand, it has been criticized for glorifying violence and perpetuating negative stereotypes about urban communities. The genre has also been associated with a rise in violent crime in some areas, with police in the UK cracking down on drill music and its association with gang activity.
- However, some supporters argue that UK drill provides a creative outlet for young people who have grown up in difficult circumstances and face limited opportunities. The genre has also gained a significant following in the UK and beyond, with some artists achieving commercial success and critical acclaim.
- In addition to its musical significance, UK drill has also become a cultural phenomenon, with its own fashion and dance styles. Some have argued that the genre reflects broader social and political issues, such as the impact of austerity and inequality on urban communities.

Roadmen
- "Roadmen" is a slang term used in the UK to describe young men who are involved in street culture, often characterized by violence, drug dealing, and gang activity. The term originated in London and has since been adopted in other cities across the UK.
- Roadmen are often associated with urban music genres such as UK drill and grime, and are known for their distinctive fashion sense, which includes tracksuits, hoodies, and designer trainers. They are also often associated with certain brands, such as Nike and Adidas.
- While roadmen are often portrayed negatively in the media, with associations with crime and violence, some argue that they represent a subculture that has emerged in response to the challenges faced by young people in urban areas, including poverty, lack of opportunities, and discrimination. Some roadmen also see themselves as protectors of their communities, and have been known to engage in acts of charity and community service.
- However, roadmen are also often associated with criminal activity, including drug dealing, robbery, and violent crime. They may also engage in gang activity, with rivalries between different groups leading to violence and tension in some areas.
- Overall, the phenomenon of roadmen in the UK is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities facing young people in urban areas, as well as broader social and political issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination.

Literature
British literature over the last 40 years has been shaped by a range of social, cultural, and political factors, including the influence of the rise of multiculturalism, and the impact of globalization.

- Multiculturalism: With the increasing diversity of British society over the last few decades, multiculturalism has become a significant theme in British literature. Authors such as Zadie Smith, Hanif Kureishi, and Kazuo Ishiguro have explored issues of identity, race, and immigration in their works, reflecting the complex experiences of multiculturalism in contemporary Britain.
- Feminism and gender identity: Feminism and gender identity have been important themes in British literature over the last four decades, with authors such as Angela Carter, Jeanette Winterson, and Ali Smith exploring issues of sexuality, gender identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society.
- Regionalism: Regionalism has also been an important trend in British literature, with authors exploring the unique cultures and identities of different regions in the UK. This includes works by authors such as Irvine Welsh, James Kelman, and Ali Smith, who have focused on the distinct experiences of Scottish and Northern English communities.
- Globalization: The impact of globalization can be seen in many works of British literature, which explore themes such as migration, displacement, and cultural exchange. Authors such as Salman Rushdie, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Hanif Kureishi have explored the challenges and opportunities presented by globalized societies, reflecting the complex experiences of individuals and communities in a rapidly changing world.

Film and television
Television drama: The UK is known for its strong tradition of television drama, with series such as Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, and Broadchurch gaining popularity both at home and abroad. Over the last 40 years, there has been a continued focus on producing high-quality dramas that explore complex themes and narratives.

Reality TV: The rise of reality TV has also had an impact on the UK television industry, with shows such as Big Brother and Love Island gaining widespread popularity. While some argue that these shows offer entertainment and escapism, others criticize them for their potential to exploit and manipulate participants.

Streaming services: The emergence of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime has had a significant impact on the UK film and television industry, providing new opportunities for distribution and production. Many UK productions have found success on streaming platforms, with shows such as The Crown and Fleabag receiving critical acclaim and international recognition.

Diversity and representation: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on diversity and representation in the UK film and television industry, with efforts being made to address the underrepresentation of women, people of color, and other marginalized groups. This has led to the creation of initiatives such as the BFI Diversity Standards and the BBC's Creative Diversity commitment.

Love island
- During the summer, its a tradition for friends to gather and watch love island as everyday there is a new episode.

IRELAND JOINS THE EU
Ireland joined the European Union (EU) on January 1, 1973, along with the United Kingdom and Denmark. At the time, Ireland was facing significant economic challenges, with high levels of unemployment and emigration, and many saw EU membership as a way to improve the country's economic prospects and reduce its dependence on the UK.
- Since joining the EU, Ireland has benefited from access to the EU's single market, which has helped to drive economic growth and investment in the country. Ireland has also been a significant recipient of EU funding, particularly through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which has helped to support the country's agricultural sector.
- In addition to its economic benefits, EU membership has also had significant political and social impacts in Ireland. EU membership has helped to promote greater cooperation and understanding between Ireland and its European neighbors, and has encouraged the country to take a more active role in international affairs.
- However, EU membership has also been a source of controversy in Ireland, particularly in relation to issues such as EU regulations and the EU's role in the Irish peace process. In recent years, the UK's decision to leave the EU has also raised concerns about the impact of Brexit on the relationship between Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the potential for the reintroduction of a hard border between the two.
- Overall, Ireland's membership of the EU has had significant impacts on the country's economic, political, and social landscape, and will continue to shape Ireland's relationship with its European neighbors in the years to come.