Contents
Ⅰ Keynote Report
1 UK General Election 2015 and the Policies of the Conservative Government
【British Studies Centre】／001
Abstract:In the context of various great challenges in British domestic and foreign policies, the UK General Election 2015 has concluded surprisingly with a Conservative majority government and a second term for David Cameron as the Prime Minister. This report will explore reasons and impacts of the Conservatives’success from the perspectives of politics, economy, foreign relations, Sino-British relations etc. Some in-depth analysis will be made on the post-election development of the emerging fragmentation in British party politics, further adjustments of the devolution in the UK after the Scottish independence referendum, the sustainability of the strong economic growth of the UK after the longest economic recession after WWII, and new changes in the British foreign policy (especially in Sino-UK relations and British- EU relations).
Keywords:UK General Election 2015; Party Politics; Domestic and Foreign Policy; Sino- UK Relations
Ⅱ Foreign Relations
2 Is Britain Retreating from the World Stage?
—An Analysis of British Foreign Policy 2014-2015【Qu Bing】／037
Abstract:British foreign policy has been characterised with “low profile” and “inaction” since the beginning of 2014. Many critics argue that Britain is retreating from the world stage. This article examines these views, as well as the practices of British foreign policy during this period. The article indicates that the British government led by David Cameron has carried out a distinctive “economic diplomacy” and played an active role in the issues such as Afghan election,and anti-Ebola campaign. However, the British government has been reluctant to get involved in the Ukraine crisis and in the strikes against the Islamic State. The author tries to answer why British foreign policy has become “low profiled” by analysing relevant economic, historical, political and ideological factors. It is safe to predict that Britain will still be “inward-looking” in the near future but it is an exaggeration that Britain will withdraw from world affairs. The real change is Britain’s approach to world affairs, that is, it focuses more on “soft measures” than the hard ones in order to maintain its global influence. The Anglo-American special relationship will not fall apart, but selective approach will become its main characteristics in the future.
Keywords:UK; Foreign Policy; Low-Profile; Analysis
3 UK-EU Relations in the Aftermath of Cameron’s Bloomberg Speech【Wang Zhanpeng】／053
Abstract:With the rising Euroscepticism in the UK over recent years, the European question has become one of the most challenging issues in the British diplomacy and domestic politics. There have been fierce disputes over how the EU should be reformed between the UK and EU ever since David Cameron’s Bloomberg speech in early 2013. During 2014-2015 fresh disputes occurred on immigration policy, nomination of new EC President, EU budget contribution etc. The uncompromising stance of the British government in its European policy increased the risks of its isolation within EU and decreased its ability to influence the development of European integration. Both the Coalition and the now Conservative government have proposed that an in/out referendum should be held to determine the UK’s future in the Union following negotiations with the EU to secure some important reforms. At present, the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats all support UK’s EU membership within a reformed EU. The rise of UKIP was restrained after the general election, and the number of people against British exit is increasing. The key to future developments of British-EU relations lies in whether British political elites and general public can achieve a balance between national sovereignty, national interests and constructive engagement in the European affairs.
Keywords:UK-EU Relations; In/Out Referendum on EU; EU Reform; Immigration Policy; Euroscepticism
4 “Partnership Towardsa，a Golden Age”
—An Analysis of the China-UK Relations (2014-2015)【Yang Fang】／075
Abstract:In 2014 and 2015, a new historical opportunity has emerged in the developments of China-UK relations. 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In the UK general election 2015, the Conservative party won a majority in the House of Commons, and after 18 years in opposition ,the first Conservative majority government took power in Downing Street. Compared with the Coalition government, the new British government’s policy towards China becomes clearer and it adopts a more active approach to China. Prime Minister David Cameron said that 2015 marked “a truly golden year for Britain and China”. In the Queen’s Speech to Parliament on 27th May 2015, Queen Elizabeth II gave a clear message about welcoming President Xi Jinping for a state visit in October. Just as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, China is willing to respond to UK’s positive willingness of creating a “golden age” for the China-UK relations and hopes that President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the UK will open the “golden age”. In these contexts, this report on China-UK relations in 2014 and 2015 attempts to explore the developments of China-UK relations, and analyses their underlying causes and prospects.
Keywords:China-UK Relations; “Golden Age”; Mutual Benefit; Strategic Partnership; Innovation
Ⅲ Politics
5 The Coalition and the Development of British Party Politics
【Yang Guangjie, Zhang Fang】／089
Abstract:The Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition was regarded as a deviation from the British political tradition of Westminster-type Majoritarian government. Although differences existed in the coalition partners’ ideologies and policies, the Coalition completed its five-year term smoothly, and the UK has seen strong economic growth since 2014. After five years of Coalition, the Conservative Party gains economic trust and David Cameron maintains relatively high approval ratings among British voters, while the influence of the Liberal Democrats and Nick Clegg declined sharply due to their excessive compromises to the Conservatives. The Labour Party and the Conservatives remained close in polls for a time, but British voters neither trusted Labour’s economic competence nor approved Ed Miliband’s leadership. The Labour’s election failure intensified the debates between its left and right wings, which put the Party into a new predicament. Moreover, the SNP and UKIP have generally gained more influence in British politics over the past years.
Keywords:Coalition Government; Conservative Party; Liberal Democrats; Labour Party; UKIP
6 The Scottish Independence Referendum: Process, Debate and Aftermath
【Huang Yang, Wang Zhanpeng】／109
Abstract:The Scottish Independence Referendum can be seen as one of the most momentous events in the UK not only in 2014 but even for the recent years. Extensive debates took place across the country on the Scottish independence issue. Officially or unofficially, both the pro-Independence and pro-Union camps have done their best to make their case. Scotland finally rejected independence with 55% “No” to 45% “Yes”. However, the result did not mean that the Scottish question had been solved once and for all. Instead, more controversies came up as soon as the referendum ended. The Scottish National Party, in spite of its failure to achieve its ultimate goal in the referendum, won a landslide victory in Scotland in the 2015 UK General Election. The British government chose to devolve more powers to Scotland, which would inevitably further weaken its control over Scottish affairs. It can be predicted that the bargaining over Scottish independence and devolution will long remain and the UK government still faces serious challenges.
Keywords:Scotland; Independence Referendum; Scottish National Party; Devolution
7 Advance Military Reform, Adjust Strategic Deployment: Britain’s Defence Policy
from 2013 to 2015【Ni Haining】／126
Abstract:From 2013 to 2015, there have been some distinctive features in the British defence policy. Firstly, British military reform was accelerating. Its military transformation has nowadays been unparalleled both in depth and strength since the end of Cold War, though several constraining factors were emerging. Secondly, Britain has withdrawn all its troops from Afghanistan, which signalled a temporary end of its large-scale overseas military operations. It has also dealt with a series of crises more practically. Thirdly, Britain continued to adhere to Anglo-American Special Relationship and European defence integration, and significantly upgraded its defence cooperation with Japan.
Keywords:Military Reform; Strategic Deployment; Britain; Defence Policy
Ⅳ Economy
8 Current Economic Situation of the United Kingdom【Jiang Shixue】／146
Abstract:In recent years the UK economy has recovered from the negative impact of the 2008 global financial crisis. This is one of the major reasons why the Conservatives won the 2015 general election. At the same time, the UK economy is still faced with such problems as heavy debt burden, the risk of deflation, trade deficit, unsustainability of low interest rate and slow growth of productivity.
Keywords:UK Economy; Fiscal Deficit; Interest Rate Policy; Productivity
9 Renminbi Internationalisation and London’s Offshore Renminbi Business【Liu Jian】／156
Abstract:China continued to advance in Renminbi internationalisation since 2014 and broke ground in both policy and market fronts with the red-back (Renminbi) making inroads in settlement, investment and reserve currencies. As a trail-blazer in Renminbi internationalisation and bellwether in offshore Renminbi business, London has also witnessed sustained development in its Renminbi business. The article would first brief progress in Renminbi internationalisation since 2014 in general and discuss London’s advances in particular, after which some suggestions would be provided.
Keywords:Renminbi Internationalisation; London; Offshore Renminbi Business
10 HS2 High Speed Rail: Debate and Progress【Li Ye】／173
Abstract:High Speed 2 (HS2), the UK’s second high speed rail, passed the second reading in April 2014 and remains on course to gain Royal Assent in late 2016 and to start construction in 2017. HS2 was designed to relieve the strained capacity on the West Coast Main Line. Phase One of the network will connect London with Birmingham in West Midlands. The scheme has received cross-party support in Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats, while debates rage on its necessity, value for money and environmental impact. Phase Two is planned to extend north in Y-shaped routes to Manchester and Leeds. HS2 is a critical element within the Conservatives’ long-term economic plan and, together with the proposed “TransNorth” rail system, is expected to lead to the creation of the Northern Powerhouse, revitalise the Northern economy and diminish the North-South divide.
Keywords:UK High Speed Rail; HS2; the Northern Powerhouse; North-South Divide
Ⅴ Society and Culture
11 Controversy over Immigration Policy and Race Relations
—The Focus of British Society in 2014-2015【Song Yunfeng】／188
Abstract:The British society in the years of 2014 and 2015 reflects the changes of the general public attitudes towards the major issues concerning immigration policy and race relations, education reform and evaluation, same-sex marriage and its impact, and welfare reform (cuts) regarding pension policy, unemployment benefits, and the maintaining and funding of the NHS. Generally, the public support the government’s policy of restricting/reducing immigration number and benefits, harmonising race relations, maintaining the pension standard for the elderly, charging and raising the tuition in higher education, and maintaining the NHS. However, regarding how to resolve related problems caused by these issues (e.g. race relations, funding the NHS), the public opinions vary.
Keywords:Immigration Policy; Race Relations; Welfare Reform; Education Reform; Gender Equality
12 British Film Industry: 2014-2015【Shi Tongyun】／216
Abstract:The British film industry in 2014 and 2015 enjoyed overall healthy development. The number of industrial companies and the turnover both realised substantial growth. UK box office continued to be high, though cinema admissions declined. The UK Market Top 20 films remained dominated by Hollywood blockbusters. UK films performed better in box office share, but still lacked big hits. The independent films in 2014 achieved the highest record box office share of 16.1%, though the figure soon went down to 8.6% in 2015. In 2014, 223 films were shot in the UK, and the total UK production expenditure rose to the highest point since 2008. There was diversity of genres, with comedy being the most popular. The British film talents remained creative and continued to win international awards. Paddington and Kingsman: the Secret Service are filled with national attractions and British humour; youth comedy The Inbetweeners 2 is full of laughter;Imitation Game and Theory of Everything are marked by excellent performance; Shaun the Sheep Movie is funny and lovely. The British government continued to attach importance to public funding and tax cuts to support films, and strengthened overseas promotion.
Keywords:UK; Film Industry; Box Office
13 Press Regulation after Phone-hacking Scandal in the United Kingdom【Li Danlin】／239
Abstract:The United Kingdom is a big country of press. Its achievements as well as problems over the years have been noticed in the world. The press regulation is a complex issue as it has to balance press freedom and public interest, resulting in complex struggles and compromises among different parties. The latest reform of press regulation since 2011 after phone-hacking scandal has experienced many hurdles and setbacks, and has not finished yet. This paper explores and analyses these developments on the basis of reviewing the history of press regulation in the UK.
Keywords:Press Regulation; Leveson Recommendations; IPSO; IMPRESS
Since 2014, the momentum of strong economic recovery has been maintained in the UK. In the aftermath of the international financial crises and the longest recession since World War II, some positive developments have emerged in British politics, economy and society in 2014 and 2015. Following the UK general election 2015, a Conservative government was formed after the Conservative-Liberal Coalition was in power for five years, which has created some favorable conditions for the UK to cope with various challenges from home and abroad.
In politics, the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition completed its five-year term smoothly, and the 2015 general election did not result in hung parliament and coalition government as some critics predicted. The strong economic growth in the past two years played an important part in the Conservative Party’s victory in the election, which put the Party in an advantageous position in the competition among British political parties. The Labour Party is in predicament due to the divide between the left-right wings inside the Party and the worst defeat in Scotland during the election. The SNP and UKIP remain influential on certain specific issues in British politics.
The UK economy has recovered from the recession caused by the 2008 international financial crisis. Nevertheless, it is still faced with such problems as heavy debt burden, and rising deflation risk. There has been a long-standing debate over whether excessive dependence upon finance services industry can help the UK achieve sustainable economic development. It is generally recognized that the country should also make effort to develop advanced manufacturing while making full use of its comparative advantage of the financial industry. The progress in its offshore Renminbi business and other financial cooperation with China has been one of its recent efforts to strengthen its position in global financial market. Another strategy of developing the UK economy is to reduce the North-South divide, so Britain intends to invest more on infrastructure projects and change the situation of overdependence upon Greater London region. The debate over High Speed 2 (HS2) and its prospect has been a focus of economic development in British society in 2014 and 2015.
In the British society in 2014 and 2015, changes of the general public attitudes may be found towards the major issues concerning immigration policy and race relations. Generally speaking, the British are more rational towards these issues. Tradition and innovation are constant themes in the British culture industry which is one of the most important sources of British soft power. The British film industry enjoys overall healthy development and the British film talents remain creative. The British government has continued to attach importance to public funding and tax cuts to support films, and strengthened overseas promotion. The latest reform in press regulation is a complex issue as it has to achieve a balance between press freedom and public interest.
British foreign policy has been characterized by the “inward-looking” feature in the latter half of the Coalition, which caused many critics to argue that Britain is giving up its ambition as a world power and heading for isolationism. Constrained by the domestic political and economic situations during this period, the British government is more reluctant to intervene in world affairs. However, what remains unchanged is Britain’s intention to maintain its global influence by using its hard power or soft power effectively depending on the specific conditions. Selective engagement or intervention will be the normal approach for British foreign policy. This is reflected in Britain’s policies in British-EU relations, Anglo-American relations, and its relations with emerging markets. In this period, British defense policy has entered the stage of accelerating military reform and adjusting strategic plan.
Both new trends and new challenges from home and abroad have emerged in the development of British politics, economy and society. The key issue concerning the future development of the UK is whether the UK’s mainstream political parties can propose feasible governance policies, put the concept of “One Nation” into practice, and keep balance between sustainable economic growth and social solidarity. In the foreseeable future, wisdom is needed for the British political elites and general public to address the challenges in the global influence of the United Kingdom, proposed referendum on its EU membership and a new constitutional settlement in devolution.
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