-> if given a specific definition: might exclude some people

legal citizenship

sense of national identity of the British people and common culture of the United Kingdom

https://www.rgs.org/schools/resources-for-schools/who-do-we-think-we-are/what-is-britishness

Sources:

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/de/worterbuch/englisch/devolution

●https://www.collinsdictionary.com/de/worterbuch/englisch/devolution

●https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devolution

For Parts involved:

●https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8599/

●https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devolution_in_the_United_Kingdom

• By 1913 the empire had grown to rule over 400 million people, making it the largest empire in history.

• British government and society benefitted economically from the empire.

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South Africa, Nigeria, Jamaica, New Zeeland, …

https://www.commonwealthofnations.org/commonwealth/the-commonwealth-games/

29th March 2017-Article 50 triggered

31st January 2020- UK offcially leaves EU

31st December 2020-UK fully exits EU single market

1st January 2021- UK-EU Trade Cooperation Agreement (TCA) comes into effect

• The government is run by elected officials, with the Prime Minister as the head of government.

• The monarchy mainly performs ceremonial and representative duties

source: https://www.royal.uk/the-role-of-the-monarchy

https://www.britannica.com/topic/constitutional-monarchy

• 1215 – Magna Carta: Limited the king’s power for the first time.

• 1688 – Glorious Revolution: Established parliamentary sovereignty over the monarchy.

• 19th-20th Century: The monarchy became largely symbolic, with real power held by Parliament

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_monarchy_of_the_United_Kingdom

The capitals of these countries are the following:

• Scotland: Edinburgh

• Ireland: Dublin

• Northern Ireland: Belfast

• Wales: Cardiff

• England: London

Immigration

Economic Independence

EU Bureaucracy

Financial Contributions

The primary authority that transfers certain powers to regional or local bodies. It may retain control over national policies, defense, and foreign affairs.

2. Regional or Local Government:

These are the entities that receive devolved powers. They may include regional assemblies, local councils, or other governing bodies.

3. Legal Framework:

Devolution often requires constitutional amendments, legal statutes, or formal agreements to define the scope of powers and responsibilities.

4. Citizens and Communities:

The population within the devolved areas plays a crucial role in decision-making through local elections and civic engagement.

5. Financial Systems:

Devolution typically involves the transfer of financial resources or revenue-raising powers to ensure regional bodies can manage their responsibilities effectively.

6. Institutions and Agencies:

Specialized bodies may be established to oversee specific devolved sectors such as education, healthcare, or transportation

Sources:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devolution_in_the_United_Kingdom

●https://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/british-politics/arguments-for-devolution/

• protect the environment and encourage sustainable use of natural resources on land and sea

• boost trade and the economy

• support democracy, government and the rule of law

• develop society and young people, including gender equality, education, health and sport

• support small states, helping them tackle the particular challenges they face.

https://thecommonwealth.org/our-work#:~:text=towards%20shared%20goals.-,The%20Commonwealth%20is%20an%20association%20of%2056%20countries%20working%20towards,of%20more%20than%2080%20organisations.

• national representation: Acts as a unifying symbol of the UK.

• charity and diplomacy: Supports charities, attends public events, and represents the UK internationally

source: https://www.royal.uk/the-role-of-the-monarchy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_Games

In 1585, Queen Elizabeth I gave Walter Raleigh permission to set up a colony on Roanoke Island. The settlers had lost most of their supplies on the journey and struggled to find food when theirs ran out. They were at first reliant on local indigenous people for food, but there was a lack of trust between the two groups and the relationship descended into violence.

All of the settlers’ attempts to set up a colony on Roanoke Island failed and they eventually abandoned the land in 1590. The first successful colony was set up in 1607 in Jamestown, which is now part of the state of Virginia in the USA.

_{https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zpjv3j6#z6x6trd}

Local authorities are closer to the people they serve, enabling better understanding of regional needs and faster decision-making.

●Enhanced Efficiency:

Decentralizing power can reduce bureaucratic delays, allowing local governments to respond more quickly to local issues.

● Promotion of Democracy:

Devolution empowers citizens by giving them greater influence over decisions that directly impact their communities.

●Cultural and Regional Identity:

In diverse countries, devolution allows regions with distinct cultural, linguistic, or historical identities to have greater autonomy.

● Economic Development:

Local governments can implement policies tailored to their region’s economic strengths, driving growth and investment.

●Conflict Resolution:

Devolution can help ease political tensions by giving marginalized or minority groups greater control over their affairs.

● Equitable Resource Distribution:

By devolving power, regions may gain better access to resources and services that align with their specific needs.

●Public Service Improvement:

Local authorities can better manage sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure since they are more familiar with local demands

Sources:

●https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/07/the-guardian-view-on-fixing-englands-local-democracy-reforming-structures-is-the-means-not-the-end

●https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/devolution

https://bar.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth

• engages in public service and charity work.

• high public interest and media coverage

source: https://www.royal.uk/the-role-of-the-monarchy

The most common reason is family- people want to move to their family members.

Source:

https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/briefings/migrants-in-the-uk-an-overview/

• represents national unity and tradition.

• brings tourism and global attention

• provides stability in government.

❌ Critics Say:

• costly to taxpayers.

• unelected and outdated.

• some prefer a republic with an elected head of state

sources:

https://theweek.com/royal-family/957673/pros-and-cons-of-the-monarchy

https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2023/05/13/the-case-for-and-against-abolishing-the-monarchy/

Founding: 1 January 1801

https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/

During the early years of the British Empire, 13 colonies in North America were established by the British. These colonies went to war against Britain in 1775 to achieve their freedom, declaring themselves independent on 4 July 1776. Britain formally recognised the United States of America as an independent country in 1783.

After losing the 13 colonies Britain did not want its empire to shrink again, and decided to make it even bigger.

_{https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zpjv3j6#zyfyvwx}

Sources:

●https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/devolution?CMP=ILC-refresh

●

• North East

• Yorkshire & the Humber

• North West

• West Midlands

• South West

• South East

• London

• East of England

• East Midlands

However, the overall fiscal impact of immigration is relatively modest, typically representing less than 1% of the UK's GDP.

Source:

Office for Budget Responsibility

Migration Observatory

Source of the picture: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/migrants-day-action-british-society-a7355791.html

1. Early Colonization (16th–17th Century)

• established colonies in North America (Jamestown, 1607) and the Caribbean (Jamaica, 1655).

• east India Company set up trade in India (1612–1690).

2. First British Empire (17th–18th Century)

• focus on mercantilism and plantation economies (Caribbean, American colonies).

• lost the 13 American Colonies (1776–1783) in the Revolutionary War.

3. Second British Empire (Late 18th–19th Century)

• expansion in India (British Raj, 1858), Australia, Africa, and Asia.

• gained Hong Kong (1842) and Singapore (1819) as trade hubs.

4. High Imperialism (19th–Early 20th Century)

• peak control: Africa, the Middle East, and Asia after WWI.

• the empire covered 25% of the world by 1919.

5. Decolonization (Mid–Late 20th Century)

• India & Pakistan (1947), Africa (1950s–70s), Caribbean & Pacific (1960s–80s) gained independence.

• Hong Kong returned to China (1997).

6. Commonwealth Era (Present Day)

• former colonies form the Commonwealth of Nations.

• 14 Overseas Territories (e.g., Gibraltar, Bermuda) remain under UK control.

• to gain more money

• to gain more power

• to spread Christianity and British ways of life

_{https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zpjv3j6#zyfyvwx}

Statistic with 2.225 respondants (18 and older)

In 2024, more british citizens viewed Brexit as a mistake because the economy was still weaker than in 2018, with trade barriers, higher costs, and slower growth. Many felt the promised benefits hadn’t materialized, while businesses faced labor shortages and reduced EU market access.

- on weekends most people have an English breakfast

2) Putting the kettle on in a crisis :when something bad happened britisch people set up a cup of tea and complain about it

3) eating turkey on Christmas

4) eatingSunday roast:

This is a meal which features roasted meat cooked in the oven together with Yorkshire pudding

https://www.ihlondon.com/blog/posts/2022/top-10-british-traditions/

The Valley Gardens at Windsor Great Park

• a Royal Park of 2,020 hectares (5,000 acres), including a deer park, to the south of the town of Windsor on the border of Berkshire and Surrey in England.

Natural History Museum London

• a museum that exhibits a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history.

National Gallery

• the National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, in Central London, England. Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of more than 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The current director of the National Gallery is Gabriele Finaldi.

Tower of London

• the Tower of London, officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic citadel and castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England.

Stonehenge

• Stonehenge is a prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, two miles (3 km) west of Amesbury. It consists of an outer ring of vertical sarsen standing stones, each around 13 feet (4.0 m) high, seven feet (2.1 m) wide, and weighing around 25 tons, topped by connecting horizontal lintel stones, held in place with mortise and tenon joints

Other Landmarks:

• British Museum

• Tate Modern

• Southbank Centre

• Victoria and Albert Museum

• Science Museum

• Somerset House

• Royal Museums

• National Museum of Scotland

• Kew Gardens

• Edinburgh Castle

• Scottish National Gallery

• Royal Albert Hall

• Westminster Abbey

• St Paul's Cathedral

• British Library

• Windsor Castle

• RHS Garden Wisley

• London Zoo

• Barbican Centre

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Sources:

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_most-visited_attractions_in_the_United_Kingdom

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_History_Museum,_London

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_Great_Park

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_London

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonehenge

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Gallery

The Prime Minister is the leader of His Majesty’s Government and is ultimately responsible for the policy and decisions of the government. 

As leader of the UK government the Prime Minister also: 

• oversees the operation of the Civil Service and government agencies 

• chooses members of the government 

• is the principal government figure in the House of Commons 

Current role holder

The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister on 5 July 2024.  

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Nations

1. Raw Materials – Empire supplied cotton (India, Egypt), sugar (Caribbean), rubber (Malaya), metals (Australia, Africa).

2. Markets – Colonies bought British textiles, tools, and machinery, boosting industry.

3. Trade & Shipping – Global trade routes made transport cheaper and faster.

4. Cheap Labor – Slavery (pre-1833) and indentured labor kept costs low.

5. Capital – Profits from empire-funded factories, railways, and banks.

6. Innovation – Empire demand drove technological progress.

7. Urbanization – Industrial growth led to city expansion and workforce boom.

• Thames

• Stour

• Ure

• Tees

• Trent

• Welland

• Eden

• Tyne

Founding: 1 January 1801

https://www.parliament.uk/business/commons/

1. Elevenses (Mid-Morning Tea)

• A light break around 11:00 AM.

• Usually includes tea or coffee with a biscuit, scone, or light snack.

2. Afternoon Tea (Traditional & Elegant)

• Originated in the 19th century, credited to Anna, Duchess of Bedford.

• Served between 3:00 - 5:00 PM.

• A formal affair with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream & jam, and pastries.

• Often served on a three-tiered tray in fine china.

3. High Tea (Early Evening Meal)

• A more substantial meal, eaten around 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

• Originally a working-class tradition.

• Includes hearty foods like meat pies, cheese, bread, and desserts.

• Named “high” tea because it was eaten at a dining table, unlike afternoon tea, which was served on low tables.

Tea Etiquette

• Pour tea before adding milk (traditionally).

• Hold the cup by the handle, not the bowl.

• Stir tea gently in a back-and-forth motion (not circular).

• Do not raise your pinky finger (a common misconception).

• Eat scones by breaking them in half rather than cutting them.

https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Afternoon-Tea/

https://swanlondon.co.uk/brief-history-of-afternoon-tea/

• Led the Norman Conquest in 1066, defeating King Harold at the Battle of Hastings.

• Established feudalism in England.

2. Henry VIII (1509–1547)

• Famous for his six marriages and breaking from the Catholic Church to create the Church of England.

• Strengthened the royal navy and expanded England’s power.

3. Elizabeth I (1558–1603)

• Known as the Virgin Queen, she never married.

• Defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588.

• Oversaw the Elizabethan Golden Age, including Shakespeare’s rise.

4. Charles I (1625–1649)

• Clashed with Parliament, leading to the English Civil War.

• Executed in 1649, leading to Oliver Cromwell’s republican rule.

5. Charles II (1660–1685)

• Restored the monarchy in 1660 after Cromwell’s rule (The Restoration).

• Known for his lavish lifestyle and handling of the Great Fire of London (1666).

6. Queen Victoria (1837–1901)

• Longest-reigning monarch before Elizabeth II (63 years).

• Oversaw the British Empire at its peak during the Victorian Era.

• Symbolized British stability and morality.

7. George VI (1936–1952)

• Became king after his brother, Edward VIII, abdicated.

• Led Britain through World War II, inspiring the nation.

8. Elizabeth II (1952–2022)

• Longest-reigning British monarch (70 years).

• Oversaw massive changes, including decolonization and modernization of the monarchy.

• Highly respected globally.

9. Charles III (2022–Present)

• Became king after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

• Focuses on environmental issues and modernizing the monarchy

source: https://www.historic-uk.com

people inhabiting Britain before the Anglo-Saxon invasions beginning in the 5th century AD

descended from the Celts

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Briton

Sources:

https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/briefings/uk-public-opinion-toward-immigration-overall-attitudes-and-level-of-concern/

https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/immigration-tracker-march-2024

The House of Commons is also responsible for granting money to the government through approving Bills that raise taxes. Generally, the decisions made in one House have to be approved by the other.

In this way the two-chamber system acts as a check and balance for both Houses.

https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/role/system/

• the topography of Britain is extraordinarily diverse. It ranges from low-lying, flat, almost featureless, countryside through gentle heath, harsh, remote, moorland, rolling hills and mellow river valleys to reasonably impressive glaciated mountains cut through by bubbling, tumbling, streams.

Where is the best scenery in the UK?

• Western Highlands, Isle of Skye, old growth forests, Lake District, Brecon Beacons, Somerset, the Cotswolds, Isles of Scilly, White Cliffs of Dover. It's not an ugly country all things considered.

Sources:

• https://bitaboutbritain.com/the-british-isles-and-landscape/#:~:text=The%20topography%20of%20Britain%20is,by%20bubbling%2C%20tumbling%2C%20streams.

• Whether for a bus, venue, or service, queues are expected to be neat and orderly.

• Queue-jumping is considered highly offensive and frustrates many Brits.

• To avoid issues, always stick to your place in line.

Apologies: Brits apologize frequently and profusely, which often confuses visitors.

• They apologize in almost any situation, even when not at fault.

• To blend in while visiting London, be ready to apologize for anything and everything.

• It is common for multiple people to apologize for the same incident.

Drinking:

• Even on the most exciting nights out, self-control is valued.

• At the Montcalm Brewery, it is uncommon to see people who are visibly drunk.

• If joining in, avoid emotional outbursts or impolite behavior.

Dining:

• Correct placement of spoons, knives and forks

• Elbows off the table

• No phones at the dinner table

  https://montcalmcollection.com/blog/british-social-etiquette-for-beginners/

belonging to or relating to the island of Britain