OVERVIEW

Overt enthusiasts for Europe are rare in the UK. The majority of citizens are lukewarm, viewing British membership of the European Union as inevitable, rather than desirable. Overt 'Eurosceptics' tend to hark back to the days of Empire, placing more emphasis on the UK's relationship with the United States and the rest of the world. All strands of opinion are united in wishing to limit European influence over the UK's sovereign interests. Internally, the UK has undergone many changes in recent years. The decades-long sectarian conflict in northern Ireland appears closer to a permanent resolution. The process of devolving power from London reached a conclusion with the inauguration of the Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly in 1999. UK manufacturing has declined rapidly. The economy is now services-based. The City of London is a global financial center. Many Britons have never been richer, but nearly 20% still live below the poverty line. The UK is a major player in the arts. British actors, writers and musicians are known throughout the world, and the UK is always at the forefront of youth trends. 

FACTS

Population: 59.7 million
Capital: London
Major language: English
Major religion: Christianity
Form of government: Parliamentary democracy with constitutional monarchy 
Monetary unit: 1 pound sterling = 100 pence
Main exports: Manufactured goods, road vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, and petroleum
Internet domain: .uk
Chief of state: Sovereign
Head of government: Prime Minister

LEADERS

Queen:
Elizabeth II 


Prime Minister:
Tony Blair

Tony Blair won a landslide victory in the general election of 1997, after the Labour party had been in opposition for 18 years. Blair defines his politics as "the third way". His social democracy recognizes that free-market capitalism has virtues, but also emphasizes the role of the state in developing social justice and equality. So far, the UK has not joined European monetary union. Blair says his government will put the question to a referendum only when the economic conditions for membership are right. Foreign Secretary: Robin Cook; Home Secretary: Jack Straw; Chancellor of the Exchequer: Gordon Brown. 

MEDIA

The British media are free and able to report on all aspects of British life. The variety of newspapers on sale reflects the full spectrum of public opinion and taste. Television and radio licenses are allocated and supervised by two bodies, the Independent Television Commission and the Radio Authority. The public service broadcaster, the BBC, is governed by Royal Charter and operates a self-regulatory system. Terrestrial television - both commercial and public service - is facing an increasing challenge from the proliferation of digital channels. The BBC is currently funded by a flat license fee levied on all homes with a TV set. 

The Press
Daily Telegraph
Financial Times
The Guardian
The Independent
The Times
The Sun
The Mirror
The Scotsman
The Daily Mail
The Daily Express

Television
BBC
ITV
Channel 4
Channel 5
ITN News
Sky TV 

Radio
BBC Radio - News, music and sport
BBC World Service Virgin Radio - commercial pop station
Talk Sport - national sports news
Classic FM - classical music
Atlantic 252 - commercial pop station 

News Agency
Press Association News Centre 

OBSTACLES TO MINISTRY

• Strident propaganda of New Age and eastern mystical cults has eroded the Judeo-Christian heritage to the point that public opinion is no longer Christian.

• The influx of non-Christian religions has affected the worldview of the population.

SPIRITUAL POWER POINTS

• Nation is faced with deadly epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease.

• The future of the Church of England is crucial for the country.

Special thanks to Patrick Johnstone's, "Operation World" publisher, 
ISBN# 0-310-40031-7; and country profiles by BBC