United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The UK includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, and most of the smaller islands within the British Isles. Northern Ireland shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland; otherwise, the United Kingdom is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel, the Celtic Sea, and the Irish Sea. The total area of the United Kingdom is 94,354 square miles (244,376 km2), with an estimated population of nearly 67.6 million people in 2022.
united-kingdom

Some of the key events about United Kingdom

  • 1066
    The Norman Conquest resulted in the subjugation of Anglo-Saxon England
  • 1215
    The Magna Carta was signed, establishing fundamental rights and limiting royal power
  • 1348
    The Black Death pandemic killed an estimated 30-60% of England's population
  • 1642
    The English Civil War began, leading to years of conflict and political upheaval
  • 1665
    The Great Plague of London killed an estimated 100,000 people
  • 1666
    The Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city's medieval center
  • 1689
    The Bill of Rights was passed, further strengthening parliamentary democracy
  • 1807
    The Slave Trade Act was passed, abolishing the slave trade in the British Empire
  • 1833
    The Factory Act was introduced, improving working conditions and limiting child labor
  • 1845
    The Irish Potato Famine began, leading to mass starvation and emigration
  • 1914
    World War I began, resulting in over 700,000 British military deaths
  • 1918
    Women over 30 gained the right to vote in parliamentary elections
  • 1928
    All women over 21 were granted equal voting rights with men
  • 1939
    World War II started, leading to extensive bombing of British cities and over 450,000 deaths
  • 1948
    The National Health Service (NHS) was established, providing free healthcare for all
  • 1965
    The Race Relations Act was passed, prohibiting racial discrimination
  • 1972
    Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland resulted in the deaths of 14 unarmed civilians
  • 2004
    Civil partnerships for same-sex couples were legalized
  • 2005
    The 7/7 London bombings killed 52 people and injured over 700
  • 2010
    The Equality Act was introduced, consolidating anti-discrimination laws

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

United Kingdom Latest news

ONS Staff Vote for Strike Over Office Return Mandate

ONS Staff Vote for Strike Over Office Return Mandate

October 3 2024, 08:58 AM  •  783 views
Angela Rayner's £836 Ibiza DJ Booth Visit Sparks Controversy

Angela Rayner's £836 Ibiza DJ Booth Visit Sparks Controversy

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SNP Cuts Winter Fuel Aid Without Assessing Pensioner Death Impact

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Tory Leadership Race Heats Up as US VP Debate Sparks Controversy

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Police Officer on Trial for Murder in Fatal Shooting of Chris Kaba

Police Officer on Trial for Murder in Fatal Shooting of Chris Kaba

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Labour's Non-Dom Tax Plan: Experts Warn of Enforcement Challenges

Labour's Non-Dom Tax Plan: Experts Warn of Enforcement Challenges

October 3 2024, 08:54 AM  •  346 views
PM Starmer Repays £6,000 in Gifts Amid Transparency Push

PM Starmer Repays £6,000 in Gifts Amid Transparency Push

October 3 2024, 08:52 AM  •  244 views
Former Head Teacher Faces Jail Again for Child Abuse Images

Former Head Teacher Faces Jail Again for Child Abuse Images

October 3 2024, 08:51 AM  •  240 views
UK Launches Pioneering Open Prison in Albania Amid £4M Transfer Deal

UK Launches Pioneering Open Prison in Albania Amid £4M Transfer Deal

October 3 2024, 08:50 AM  •  226 views
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Heinz Flips the Script with "Upside Down" Baked Beans Cans

October 3 2024, 08:49 AM  •  1567 views
Iran's Missile Strike on Israel: Tensions Escalate in Middle East

Iran's Missile Strike on Israel: Tensions Escalate in Middle East

October 2 2024, 02:49 PM  •  1339 views
M25 Pothole Chaos: 20 Cars Damaged in Rush Hour Incident

M25 Pothole Chaos: 20 Cars Damaged in Rush Hour Incident

October 2 2024, 02:30 PM  •  1150 views
Fraser Nelson's Spectator Legacy: Challenging Orthodoxies and Fostering Debate

Fraser Nelson's Spectator Legacy: Challenging Orthodoxies and Fostering Debate

October 2 2024, 02:29 PM  •  1047 views
Shoreham Airshow Crash Pilot Appeals for License Reinstatement

Shoreham Airshow Crash Pilot Appeals for License Reinstatement

October 2 2024, 01:35 PM  •  770 views
Jenrick Calls for "New Conservative Party" in Migration-Focused Speech

Jenrick Calls for "New Conservative Party" in Migration-Focused Speech

October 2 2024, 01:02 PM  •  1143 views
Tugendhat Calls for Thatcher-Style 'Conservative Revolution' to Win Election

Tugendhat Calls for Thatcher-Style 'Conservative Revolution' to Win Election

October 2 2024, 12:43 PM  •  261 views
US Navy Destroyers Intercept Iranian Missiles Over Israel

US Navy Destroyers Intercept Iranian Missiles Over Israel

October 2 2024, 12:40 PM  •  160 views
Cleverly Pitches Experience in Tory Leadership Bid, Echoing Past Rhetoric

Cleverly Pitches Experience in Tory Leadership Bid, Echoing Past Rhetoric

October 2 2024, 12:16 PM  •  140 views
Homeowner Claims £600k Loss Due to Council's Bulging Wall

Homeowner Claims £600k Loss Due to Council's Bulging Wall

October 2 2024, 11:39 AM  •  176 views
Tugendhat Criticizes Jenrick's Use of Military Footage in Leadership Bid

Tugendhat Criticizes Jenrick's Use of Military Footage in Leadership Bid

October 2 2024, 10:36 AM  •  1012 views
Tesco Slashes Prices as Inflation Eases, Boosts Profit Forecast

Tesco Slashes Prices as Inflation Eases, Boosts Profit Forecast

Tesco, Britain's largest supermarket, is reducing prices as inflation subsides. The retailer has raised its profit forecast and reported strong growth in its premium range and loyalty program.

Business, Economics • October 3 2024, 09:08 AM  •  3092 views
Jenrick Calls for 'Hard Truths' in Conservative Leadership Race

Jenrick Calls for 'Hard Truths' in Conservative Leadership Race

Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick advocates for honest dialogue and policy debates in the ongoing Conservative Party leadership contest, emphasizing the need to address key national issues.

Society, Economics, Politics • October 3 2024, 09:07 AM  •  2614 views
UK Launches Youth-Focused Magistrate Recruitment to Tackle Court Backlogs

UK Launches Youth-Focused Magistrate Recruitment to Tackle Court Backlogs

Ministry of Justice aims to recruit 2,500 new magistrates, targeting younger and working-age individuals to increase diversity. The initiative seeks to address court backlogs and potentially ease prison overcrowding.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 09:07 AM  •  2430 views
Tory Leadership Race: Calls for Expedited Process as Budget Looms

Tory Leadership Race: Calls for Expedited Process as Budget Looms

Conservative Party conference concludes with four contenders vying for leadership. Critics urge faster selection process to challenge upcoming Budget, highlighting need for new leader before October 30.

Economics, Politics • October 3 2024, 09:06 AM  •  1913 views
James Blunt Challenges Fans: Name Change if Album Hits No. 1

James Blunt Challenges Fans: Name Change if Album Hits No. 1

British singer James Blunt promises to legally change his name if his re-released album "Back to Bedlam" tops charts. Fans suggest creative monikers in viral social media challenge.

Society, Culture • October 3 2024, 09:05 AM  •  1767 views
BBC Scraps Boris Johnson Interview After Kuenssberg's Briefing Blunder

BBC Scraps Boris Johnson Interview After Kuenssberg's Briefing Blunder

Laura Kuenssberg accidentally sent interview notes to Boris Johnson, forcing BBC to cancel their scheduled talk. The mishap occurred as Johnson promotes his memoir containing controversial claims.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 09:05 AM  •  1722 views
Biden Opposes Israeli Strikes on Iran as Middle East Tensions Escalate

Biden Opposes Israeli Strikes on Iran as Middle East Tensions Escalate

US President Joe Biden rejects Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, urging proportionate response. G7 prepares new sanctions amid growing tensions and ongoing conflicts in the region.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 09:04 AM  •  1672 views
SNP's Early Release Scheme Faces Scrutiny as Some Freed Inmates Reoffend

SNP's Early Release Scheme Faces Scrutiny as Some Freed Inmates Reoffend

Scotland's emergency prisoner release program, aimed at easing jail overcrowding, sees 57 out of 477 freed inmates return to custody. The scheme's effectiveness is debated as prison population issues persist.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 09:03 AM  •  1497 views
UK's Middle East Policy Inconsistencies Exposed Amid Iran-Israel Tensions

UK's Middle East Policy Inconsistencies Exposed Amid Iran-Israel Tensions

Prime Minister Starmer's support for Israel contradicts Labour's recent actions. The government's approach to the Middle East crisis reveals policy inconsistencies, raising questions about UK's stance on Israel.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 09:02 AM  •  1383 views
BBC Under Fire for Hezbollah Reporting Amid Middle East Tensions

BBC Under Fire for Hezbollah Reporting Amid Middle East Tensions

The BBC faces criticism for its coverage of Hezbollah, with concerns raised about language use and guest selection. Critics argue the broadcaster fails to consistently label the group as a terrorist organization.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 09:02 AM  •  1324 views
ONS Staff Vote for Strike Over Office Return Mandate

ONS Staff Vote for Strike Over Office Return Mandate

Civil servants at the Office for National Statistics have overwhelmingly backed strike action against a two-day office attendance requirement. The union warns of potential disruption to key economic data production.

Economics, Politics • October 3 2024, 08:58 AM  •  783 views
Angela Rayner's £836 Ibiza DJ Booth Visit Sparks Controversy

Angela Rayner's £836 Ibiza DJ Booth Visit Sparks Controversy

Deputy PM Angela Rayner declared £836 hospitality for an Ibiza nightclub visit, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer announced repayment of over £6,000 in gifts amid economic concerns.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 08:57 AM  •  509 views
SNP Cuts Winter Fuel Aid Without Assessing Pensioner Death Impact

SNP Cuts Winter Fuel Aid Without Assessing Pensioner Death Impact

Scottish ministers reduce winter fuel payments for 900,000 pensioners without analyzing potential increase in excess deaths. Opposition criticizes decision as legal action is launched against both Scottish and UK governments.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 08:57 AM  •  485 views
Tory Leadership Race Heats Up as US VP Debate Sparks Controversy

Tory Leadership Race Heats Up as US VP Debate Sparks Controversy

Conservative candidates make final pitches at Birmingham conference, while US vice-presidential debate sees JD Vance's image shift and Tim Walz's inconsistent claims under scrutiny.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 08:55 AM  •  382 views
Police Officer on Trial for Murder in Fatal Shooting of Chris Kaba

Police Officer on Trial for Murder in Fatal Shooting of Chris Kaba

A Metropolitan Police officer faces murder charges for the 2022 shooting of Chris Kaba during a car chase in London. The trial, which began today at the Old Bailey, centers on the justification of lethal force.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 08:55 AM  •  368 views
Labour's Non-Dom Tax Plan: Experts Warn of Enforcement Challenges

Labour's Non-Dom Tax Plan: Experts Warn of Enforcement Challenges

Labour's proposal to extend inheritance tax liability for non-doms faces criticism from experts, citing enforcement difficulties and potential exodus of wealthy foreigners. The plan aims to address a £22bn budget deficit.

Economics, Politics • October 3 2024, 08:54 AM  •  346 views
PM Starmer Repays £6,000 in Gifts Amid Transparency Push

PM Starmer Repays £6,000 in Gifts Amid Transparency Push

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reimbursed over £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality, including Taylor Swift tickets and designer clothing rental. The move comes as part of efforts to enhance transparency in British politics.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 08:52 AM  •  244 views
Former Head Teacher Faces Jail Again for Child Abuse Images

Former Head Teacher Faces Jail Again for Child Abuse Images

A former head teacher, previously convicted for voyeurism, has been found with a new collection of child abuse images. He awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to multiple charges.

Society • October 3 2024, 08:51 AM  •  240 views
UK Launches Pioneering Open Prison in Albania Amid £4M Transfer Deal

UK Launches Pioneering Open Prison in Albania Amid £4M Transfer Deal

Britain initiates a groundbreaking open prison in Albania as part of a £4 million annual prisoner transfer agreement. The deal aims to alleviate UK prison overcrowding by relocating 200 dangerous Albanian inmates.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 08:50 AM  •  226 views
Heinz Flips the Script with "Upside Down" Baked Beans Cans

Heinz Flips the Script with "Upside Down" Baked Beans Cans

Heinz launches limited edition "upside down" baked beans cans to promote easier emptying. Survey reveals 90% of consumers struggle with can residue, while expert explains the science behind the new storage method.

Business, Science • October 3 2024, 08:49 AM  •  1567 views
Iran's Missile Strike on Israel: Tensions Escalate in Middle East

Iran's Missile Strike on Israel: Tensions Escalate in Middle East

Iran launches 180 missiles at Israel, marking a historic attack. The Telegraph's podcast "Battle Lines" explores the incident, Israel's Lebanon invasion, and global geopolitical tensions.

Society, Politics • October 2 2024, 02:49 PM  •  1339 views
M25 Pothole Chaos: 20 Cars Damaged in Rush Hour Incident

M25 Pothole Chaos: 20 Cars Damaged in Rush Hour Incident

A pothole on the M25 between Staines and Chertsey caused damage to at least 20 vehicles during Wednesday's morning rush hour. National Highways swiftly repaired the road within hours of the incident.

Society, Business • October 2 2024, 02:30 PM  •  1150 views
Fraser Nelson's Spectator Legacy: Challenging Orthodoxies and Fostering Debate

Fraser Nelson's Spectator Legacy: Challenging Orthodoxies and Fostering Debate

Fraser Nelson departs The Spectator after 15 years, leaving a legacy of challenging orthodoxies and fostering open debate. His tenure saw the magazine's value soar and its influence grow in British political discourse.

Society, Politics • October 2 2024, 02:29 PM  •  1047 views
Shoreham Airshow Crash Pilot Appeals for License Reinstatement

Shoreham Airshow Crash Pilot Appeals for License Reinstatement

Andrew Hill, involved in the 2015 Shoreham Airshow disaster that killed 11, is appealing to regain his flying license. The two-day hearing in London has sparked controversy among victims' families.

Society, Culture • October 2 2024, 01:35 PM  •  770 views
Jenrick Calls for "New Conservative Party" in Migration-Focused Speech

Jenrick Calls for "New Conservative Party" in Migration-Focused Speech

Robert Jenrick, frontrunner in the Tory leadership race, delivers a speech at the Conservative Party conference, emphasizing immigration control and proposing significant policy changes.

Society, Politics • October 2 2024, 01:02 PM  •  1143 views
Tugendhat Calls for Thatcher-Style 'Conservative Revolution' to Win Election

Tugendhat Calls for Thatcher-Style 'Conservative Revolution' to Win Election

Tom Tugendhat advocates for a Margaret Thatcher-inspired approach to revitalize the Conservative Party. He emphasizes economic growth, lower taxes, and reforms in healthcare and immigration to secure victory in the next election.

Economics, Politics • October 2 2024, 12:43 PM  •  261 views
US Navy Destroyers Intercept Iranian Missiles Over Israel

US Navy Destroyers Intercept Iranian Missiles Over Israel

US Navy destroyers successfully intercepted Iranian missiles targeting Israel, showcasing advanced naval defense capabilities. The incident highlights the evolving nature of maritime warfare and missile defense systems.

Politics • October 2 2024, 12:40 PM  •  160 views
Cleverly Pitches Experience in Tory Leadership Bid, Echoing Past Rhetoric

Cleverly Pitches Experience in Tory Leadership Bid, Echoing Past Rhetoric

James Cleverly positions himself as the seasoned choice for Conservative leadership, emphasizing his readiness to lead from day one. His speech draws parallels to historical political rhetoric and promises a Reagan-like approach.

Politics • October 2 2024, 12:16 PM  •  140 views
Homeowner Claims £600k Loss Due to Council's Bulging Wall

Homeowner Claims £600k Loss Due to Council's Bulging Wall

A Gloucestershire resident alleges a council-owned car park wall has significantly devalued his £1 million farmhouse. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between property owners and local authorities over infrastructure maintenance.

Society, Politics • October 2 2024, 11:39 AM  •  176 views
Tugendhat Criticizes Jenrick's Use of Military Footage in Leadership Bid

Tugendhat Criticizes Jenrick's Use of Military Footage in Leadership Bid

Tom Tugendhat expresses dismay over Robert Jenrick's campaign video featuring special forces footage. The controversy unfolds amid the Conservative leadership race, with candidates set to address the party conference.

Society, Politics • October 2 2024, 10:36 AM  •  1012 views