Britain’s Challenges Part 02

Nations, like individuals, face challenges in life. Yet, it is no exaggeration to say that the United Kingdom is facing its biggest crises since the end of the Second World War. Yes, more than 30 years of trouble in Northern Ireland, or the 1990s scandals that rocked the Royal Family and saw the divorce of Diana and Charles, who is the heir to the throne.

As we learned in the last article, challenges include persistent calls for a ‘second referendum’ on Scottish independence. The shifting of the leftists and progressives from the Left to the ‘far Left,’ while some on the right are drifting leftward as well, embracing policies that would have been unthinkable a few years before. The UK election of 2019 offers a solid glimpse into the shifting political sands.

Most importantly immediate issue is the Brexit deadlock. Three and a half years after a referendum confirmed that the majority of UK voters wanted to leave the European Union - a ‘divorce’ to a 46 year old union - the nation still has not left. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to leave by the 31 October 2019 deadline, but parliament hemmed him in on every side. They said ‘No’ to a no-deal Brexit, the unprecedented demands on how the executive branch should negotiate with the European Union. Then parliament signalled agreement with his EU brokered deal but NO to his quick timetable. With such an impasse, the only logical course of action was to turn to the British public and have them decide by means of an election. As Johnson said, he did not want an early election and especially in the winter, but parliament left him no choice.

Northern Ireland

This province of the United Kingdom is arguably the most Christian. These friendly people are also poetic prayer warriors who can inspire an entire congregation by their supplications. ‘Socially progressive’ items like abortion and same-sex marriage are not legal in Northern Ireland - at least not yet. Northern Ireland’s parliament at Stormont has not met for over 2 years and the concern is that the ‘mainland’ may seek to impose these and other items by fiat, which is exactly what’s happening now.

Also, the question of the border with the Irish Republic is also worth watching. At present, there is no hard-border between the two sovereignties on the emerald isle. At Brexit, apart from an agreement, some kind of border may be imposed, supposedly endangering the 1998 Good Friday agreement that put an end to 30 years of ‘The Troubles.’ This point is highly debatable but it is worth watching.

From Queen to Charles

While the Queen has reigned with distinction since 1952, and appears to be in good health, at the age of 93 it should be obvious that she is in her last years. Since most Brits have grown up only knowing her as their monarch, and television has made her the most visible queen in history, the thought of her demise is seen as most unsettling and distressing. In reality, this should be the least of their problems. The chances of a smooth transition are excellent. After all, Prince Charles and William, collectively, have had over a century (71 years and 37 years, respectively) of preparation for the role of king.

In our next article, we will see how impressively ‘resilient’ this nation has been … and why. TO BE CONTINUED

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