Politics Cheat Sheet: UK Flashcards
What are the Conservatives also known as in the UK?
The Tories
How long have the Conservatives been in power?
Since 2010 (11 years)
When did the Conservatives gain a majority in government?
The Conservatives have had a majority in government since December 2019. They gained 364 seats with Boris Johnson as leader, who ran with the slogan “Get Brexit Done”. This is greatly attributed to Johnson’s win and reflected the nation’s fatigue with the Brexit process.
Who is the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
Rishi Sunak. Sunak was appointed in 2020 after Sajid Javid resigned. His appointment coincided with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and he has led the Treasury’s response to the crisis since. He is known for initiating the Furlough scheme (set to end in October) and the Eat Out to Help Out scheme in summer 2020.
Who is Sajid Javid?
Sajid Javid is currently the UK’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, replacing Matt Hancock in June 2021. He previously served as Chancellor of the Exchequer until his resignation from that post in February 2020.
Why did Matt Hancock leave his post as Health Secretary in June 2021?
In June 2021, leaked photos of Hancock in an “embrace” with his aide, showed him to be both breaking Covid-19 rules and cheating on his wife. This ultimately led to his resignation. Boris Johnson was criticised for not sacking Hancock himself.
Who is Dominic Cummings?
Former Chief advisor to Boris Johnson and was instrumental in the Brexit campaign. Remembered in public memory for breaking Covid-19 rules in summer 2020. Left Downing Street in November 2020 (reasons unclear).
Which party are the official opposition party?
The Labour Party with 198 seats
Who is the current leader of the opposition?
Keir Starmer
Who is the third biggest party in the House of Commons?
The Scottish National Party
How many seats does the Green Party hold?
One. Caroline Lucas is The Green Party’s one and only Member of Parliament. She has been MP for Brighton Pavilion since 2010. She has increased her majority each time at the general elections. She was also formerly leader of Green Party, which is now co-led by Siân Berry and Jonathan Bartley.
What is Reform UK?
Reform UK is a right-wing populist party formerly known as the Brexit Party and founded by Nigel Farage. It is currently led by Richard Tice, while Farage remains honorary president. It was founded with the stated purpose of advocating for Brexit.
What is Plaid Cymru?
Plaid Cymru is the Party of Wales currently led by Adam Price. It advocates for Welsh independence.
Which are the two biggest political parties in Northern Ireland?
DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) and Sinn Féin.
DUP: Unionist and loyalist. Sees itself as defending Britishness. Supported Brexit. Entered into an agreement with Theresa May’s Conservatives in 2017 to support them, when the Conservatives failed to win an outright majority in the Commons. Recently went through leadership struggles after Arlene Foster stepped down in April 2021. Edwin Poots became leader after a close election with Jeffrey Donaldson, but stepped down after 21 days following a party revolt. Donaldson is now leader.
Sinn Féin: Irish nationalist party. The party holds 7 of Northern Ireland’s 18 seats in the House of Commons but participate in abstentionism as a policy. I.e Sinn Féin members don’t take their seats or vote on bills.
What is the UK’s ‘policy du jour’?
Levelling up.
The “levelling up” agenda aims to tackle regional inequalities in the country and which the Tories are currently pursuing. The focus is the ‘left behind’ areas in the North and the Midlands. There is a strong political dimension as these areas delivered Conservative majority but what ‘levelling up’ is remains to be seen.
People also hate the term. Levelling up is also associated with the term ‘Build Back Better’.
