The UK and the Wider World Flashcards
How is the UK connected to the rest of the world?
The UK is connected through trade, culture, transport, international organizations, and electronic communications.
What is interdependence with nations?
Interdependence describes how countries rely on each other economically, politically, and socially.
What are the UK’s main trading partners?
The UK’s main trading partners include the EU, the USA, China, India, and Commonwealth nations.
What is the role of trade in the UK economy?
Trade is vital for the UK, as it imports and exports goods and services globally, including finance, technology, and pharmaceuticals.
What role does culture play in the UK’s global influence?
The UK exports cultural products such as literature, film, music, and TV, with institutions like the BBC playing a key role.
How does electronic communication link the UK with the world?
The UK is a hub for global internet traffic, with 99% of data passing through undersea fiber-optic cables.
What is Arctic Fibre, and how does it affect the UK?
Arctic Fibre is a project to lay an internet cable between London and Tokyo, improving global communication networks.
How does transport connect the UK to the world?
London Heathrow is one of the busiest international airports, and the UK has major ports like Liverpool2 for global trade.
What is the role of the BBC in global communication?
The BBC provides international news and entertainment, influencing global media and shaping public opinion.
How does migration contribute to the UK’s international connections?
Migration brings cultural diversity and economic benefits, as skilled workers and students from around the world come to the UK.
When did the UK join the EU?
The UK joined the European Economic Community (EEC), later known as the EU, in 1973.
Why did the UK leave the EU?
The UK left the EU after the 2016 referendum, where 52% of voters supported Brexit due to concerns over immigration, trade, and sovereignty.
What were the economic benefits of EU membership for the UK?
EU membership allowed free trade, access to a single market, and increased investment from European businesses.
What are the challenges of leaving the EU?
Brexit created uncertainty in trade, increased border checks, and impacted the movement of workers between the UK and EU.
What percentage of UK trade was with the EU before Brexit?
Before Brexit, 45% of the UK’s exports and 53% of imports were with the EU.
What industries in the UK were most affected by Brexit?
Agriculture, finance, manufacturing, and fishing industries were among the most affected by changes in trade agreements.
What is the UK’s new trade policy after Brexit?
The UK is negotiating new trade deals with countries like the USA, Australia, and India to replace lost EU trade.
How has Brexit affected immigration to the UK?
Brexit introduced stricter immigration controls, reducing the number of EU workers coming to the UK.
What is the Northern Ireland Protocol?
It is an agreement to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland while maintaining trade with the UK.
How does the UK continue to work with the EU?
The UK still cooperates with the EU on security, research, and some trade agreements despite leaving the single market.
What is the Commonwealth?
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 countries, mostly former British colonies, promoting cooperation and development.
Why is the Commonwealth important to the UK?
It strengthens trade, cultural, and political ties with countries worldwide, including India, Canada, and Australia.
How many people live in the Commonwealth?
The Commonwealth is home to 2.2 billion people, about 30% of the world’s population.
What are the main goals of the Commonwealth?
The Commonwealth aims to promote democracy, human rights, economic development, and international cooperation.
How does the Commonwealth help small states?
Many small island nations benefit from financial aid, trade support, and political representation through the Commonwealth.
What is the Commonwealth Games?
A multi-sport event held every four years, promoting unity and competition among Commonwealth nations.
How does the Commonwealth support education and research?
It provides scholarships, research grants, and educational exchanges for students across member nations.
How does the UK benefit from Commonwealth trade?
The UK exports goods and services to Commonwealth nations, strengthening economic partnerships post-Brexit.
What role does the Queen/King play in the Commonwealth?
The British monarch is the symbolic head of the Commonwealth, representing unity and cooperation among member states.
How has the UK’s role in the Commonwealth changed over time?
While it was once a colonial power, the UK now works as an equal partner with Commonwealth nations on global issues.
