The British Economy Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics Dong Fang College Toriano Cook

Britain was the first country to start the industrialization in the 18th century. Britain is a capitalist country. Capitalism promotes and protects private companies and businesses (no government control) Britain’s present economy began about 300 years ago. The Economy of the U.K.

Britain is one of the world ’ s largest importers. Because Britain lacks many raw materials (metal, fuel, wood products…), the country has to buy a large amount of raw materials from other countries. Most trade with European countries, United States and Canada. Economy of the UK

Three Economic Sectors: ▫Primary industry (1) ▫Secondary industry (2) ▫Tertiary industry (3) Current U.K. Economy

Raw materials ▫Coal: 15 th largest producing country. ▫Oil: produced in the North Sea (off the coast of Scotland) ▫Natural gas: off the coast of Scotland and the Irish Sea Primary Industry

Manufacturing and Factories ▫Construction industry (in England) ▫High-tech production (computer and digital technology) ▫Scientific and medical research Secondary Industry

Commercial / Service industries ▫Dominant in the UK market ▫Financial Services (London) ▫Pharmaceutical (medicine) industry ▫Entertainment:  Creative services, like arts’ consulting  Film and Theater  Literature Tertiary Industry

Dominant Companies of the UK HSBC Group (Banks)

Dominant Companies of the UK British Petroleum (BP)

Dominant Companies of the UK Barclays Financial Services

Dominant Companies of the UK

Lloyd’s Bank PLC

Dominant Companies of the UK GlaxoSmithKline (Drug Company)

Dominant Companies of the UK Unilever (Consumer goods)

The British Political System

Can you find someone who…… Knows the name of the British Prime Minister Wants to work in government in the future Knows the government system of the UK. Knows the result of the Scottish Independence Vote of Knows the name of the current royal ruler of the UK.

“British Political History”

History of British Politics Power of the King/Queen of England declining over past 800 years. Today, the real power of the British government and political system is the Prime Minister. The monarch is now a symbolic position.

Prime Minister of the UK: David Cameron

British Government Two part government: Constitutional monarchy: Royal leader (King or Queen), with rules created by a Constitution Parliament: Representatives voted for by the British people to make laws and run the government of the country.

The Constitutional Monarchy The monarch is the official Head of State. Queen of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Australia: Queen Elizabeth the Second No real powers! Only symbolic and ceremonial.

Queen Giving Opening Statements as Head of State at the Olympics.

At a ceremony in Scotland

Official ‘Head of State’ dinner with National Leaders

During a ‘knighting’ ceremony (where citizens receive the title of “Sir”)

The British Monarchy: Queen Elizabeth the Second

The British Monarchy: Prince Charles

New Royalty: Princess Diana

The British Monarchy: Prince William

New Royalty: Kate Middleton

“The Royal Family”

Government of the United Kingdom The official name of the British government is Her Majesty’s Government. The Head of Government is the Prime Minister

3 Branches of British Government The Legislature: makes laws ▫Parliament The Executive: enforces laws ▫Prime Minister and his cabinet The Judiciary: protects laws  System of courts Most English speaking countries around the world have a similar system of government.

Legislature: the Parliament

Two parts at the Palace of Westminster: ▫The House of Commons ▫The House of Lords

The House of Commons 646 Members of Parliament (MPs). Each MP represents a constituency (a different area of the UK). To debate and pass laws.

The House of Lords There 746 lords Appointed by government, hereditary, lawyers, judges or members of the Church of England Reviews laws passed by the House of Commons

British Elections

Elections in the UK People vote for local and national officials. Elections are held every year, usually on the same date each year. General Elections: For members of Parliament, who decide the Prime Minister are held every 5 years.

General Elections 646 voting districts About 70,000 people live in each area. Every British citizen or Commonwealth or Irish citizens who live in the UK over the age of 18 can vote. People in prison and the mentally ill cannot vote.

How To Become a member of Parliament ANYONE can run as a candidate in a general election if they are: ▫Over 18 years old ▫A British citizen or Commonwealth or Irish citizen living in the UK. ▫Able to pay a fee of £500 (about 5000 RMB)

Political Parties of the UK You do not have to belong to a political party to become a member of Parliament. The Prime Minister is decided by the party with the most members in Parliament. Currently, the three largest parties in British Parliament are: Labour Party Conservative Party Liberal Democrat Party

Created in 1918 as a party to protect the rights of workers. Supports strong government support of social programs, like free education, healthcare, public assistance Party of the last two Prime Ministers.

Conservative or traditional ideas The ‘Tory’ Party Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. Currently the largest party of the Parliament. Party of the current Prime Minister, David Cameron.

‘Party of the youth’: open to new ideas and social change Human rights, environment protection, civil rights Democratic Socialism: government control of industry and economy, with open elections by the people.