Explore Britain

History and Politics

Picture: Westminster through the London Eye Overseas Press and Picture Service

Roman rule of England and Wales lasted from AD43 to around AD409. Over the next 600 years there were invasions and settlements by peoples from northern Europe. The last successful invasion was by the Normans in 1066. In 1172 The King of England made himself Lord of Ireland. The uniting of England with Wales (between 1536 and 1542) and with Scotland (in1707) led to the union of Great Britain and Ireland in1801. In 1921 Ireland was partitioned, Northern Ireland remaining within the United Kingdom. The UK is an influential member of more than 80 international organisations including the Commonwealth, the European Union and the United Nations.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The United Kingdom is a parliamentary democracy. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who succeeded to the throne in 1952, is Head of State, with a largely ceremonial role. The House of Commons and House of Lords, with the Monarch, comprise Parliament. The Prime Minister is the Head of the Government and appoints ministers.

The House of Commons has 659 elected Members of Parliament, each representing a local constituency or area. General elections, in which citizens over 18 may vote by secret ballot, are held at least every five years. The largest political parties are Labour, the Conservatives, and the Liberal Democrats. 

 

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