"The Commonwealth of Britain" - Republican UK Wikibox TL
- Thread starter powerab
- Start date
Holy crap! I’m surprised, pleasantly surprised! First a beautiful, magnificently detailed British TL, and then an other masterpiece after only two months? That’s awesome! Powerab, you had my respect but now you have my admiration too! Hoping to read soon and more about it!
PS I remember that the main comparison for this TL was Franco’s Spain so maybe the Scottish political activism could be a parallel of the Catalan one.
Good point with your last paragraph - though the relative health of the languages makes it a little tricky - I hope the UK's response is nicer than Spain's
A Very British Transition is now live!
The prologue is now up for a Very British Transition, I hope you all give it a follow!
On This Day in the Commonwealth (I)
Hi folks.
As last week would be the in-universe election day, I've drafted up a few news extracts to show what politics had been like in the Commonwealth over the last four years
- Powerab
BREAKING: Vice President Harriet Harman not to run for third term
BBC News, 8th January 2023
Vice President Harriet Harman has announced she will stand down at the next general election.
She revealed her decision in an email to Labour supporters on Wednesday morning after 40 years in politics She promised to work until the Presidential Election in 2024
But Vice President Harman said she would then leave Clarence House "confident that Britain is gaining strength." Westminster Mayor Karen Buck called her a "guiding light for women", while Senator Tracey Brabin, called her a "glass ceiling smasher".
The 72-year-old became an MP in 1982 and has held a raft of posts before becoming Vice President - including as Mayor of Southwark. She served as Vice President to Ed Miliband, but is better known for her feminist campaigning. She is the woman with the longest continuous service in British politics.
In her email, Ms Harman said when she entered Parliament, she was one of 11 female Labour MPs in a Commons that was 97% male. "Now there are 98 Labour women and across all parties women MPs are a 'critical mass'," she added.
"But there remains much more to be done till women share political power with men on equal terms and until women in this country are equal. I will leave the House of Commons with my feminism, my belief in Labour and my enthusiasm for politics undimmed."
As well as fighting 16 elections, she has served under seven prime ministers and three Presidents. She has spoken publicly 98,000 times since November 1982. And she became a mother of three and grandmother to five.
MPs have been paying tribute to Ms Harman, with London Senator Wes Streeting calling her a "trail-blazer and change-maker". Her party colleague West Midlands Senator Jess Philips said: "All my life Harriet has been in politics. As a woman that life would have been very different if she hadn't. Harriet Harman is my hero. I owe her a debt so big it cannot be repaid."
The East Midland’s Liz Kendall added: "Harriet Harman has inspired so many of us in politics, and has blazed a trail for women and equality. Parliament won't be the same without her but we will keep fighting the good fight!"
With Ed Miliband due to be nominated unopposed at the party Conference in London later this year all eyes are on the newly opened VP race. President Miliband began the process of selecting a running mate this morning, releasing the names who will lead his search for a veep. Miliband has said his running mate “likely” be a woman.
Miliband's team have stressed he's unlikely to select someone until after legislative elections in May.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Senator Janet Daby, MP Bella Sankey and Tim Livesey, a top aide, will lead the search over the coming months.
"Selecting a vice presidential candidate is one of the most important decisions in a presidential campaign. No one knows this more than Ed Miliband", campaign manager Annelisse Midgley said in a statement. "These four co-chairs reflect the strength of our party, and will provide tremendous insight to a rigorous selection. We are grateful for their service to the campaign and for their leadership."
The team will also include what's described as "a network of vetting teams" working under National Security Advisor Dan Jarvis.
Miliband’s hint he would pick a woman as his running mate intensified speculation since his path to the Labour nomination became clear. Several potential candidates have addressed the prospect in interviews in recent weeks.
When asked whether she would accept an offer to be Miliband's running mate, former DWP Secretary Angela Ratner said "I'd be honoured to serve with Ed."
Opposition Leader Rachel Reeves has also been floated and would be one of the most dramatic choices for Miliband. Miliband and Reeves have not seen eye to eye on many issues — notably clashing on spending policy, though Miliband has since endorsed Reeves's fiscal rules.
Reeves is also sceptical of the Green Marshall Plan, a key progressive policy priority that Miliband has championed. As a running mate, Reeves has the potential to bring in more moderate voters who may be wary of Miliband's record as a radical. Reeves said on the BBC that she would “be open” to serving as Miliband's running mate.
London Senator David Lammy is another possible contender. Lammy is seen as someone who could boost voter turnout, especially considering how high he placed in Labour’s open list in 2019 despite not being an incumbent. Lammy has focused on addressing voter turnout through Operation Black Vote since. One of Lammys' biggest potential drawbacks is that she does not have any governing experience
Lammy has been the most vocal about his interest in being Miliband's running mate over the past weeks. "I would be an excellent running mate," Lammy first said in an interview with the Economist published earlier this month.
Yorkshire Premier Yvette Cooper has become one of the most frequently mentioned picks because of her rising profile governing a province at the centre of the COVID-19 pandemic. In her 2019 race, Cooper won in nine boroughs that voted for Theresa May on the same day. Cooper was also one of the final three in Miliband’s original 2014 shortlist.
When asked about the prospect of being Miliband's running mate, Cooper told Radio Four that she's focusing on her current role, but leaving the door open. "It's flattering to be considered among a massive group of leaders across the nation," she said.
Conversations about representation in the Labour Party have become more frequent in recent years. Many in the party have called on Miliband to choose a working class woman for the ticket.
Several other Labour names have been rumoured as potential picks for Miliband, including West Midlands Senators Pat McFadden and Shabana Mahmood, as well as former Justice Secretary John Healey.
As last week would be the in-universe election day, I've drafted up a few news extracts to show what politics had been like in the Commonwealth over the last four years
- Powerab
BREAKING: Vice President Harriet Harman not to run for third term
BBC News, 8th January 2023
Vice President Harriet Harman has announced she will stand down at the next general election.
She revealed her decision in an email to Labour supporters on Wednesday morning after 40 years in politics She promised to work until the Presidential Election in 2024
But Vice President Harman said she would then leave Clarence House "confident that Britain is gaining strength." Westminster Mayor Karen Buck called her a "guiding light for women", while Senator Tracey Brabin, called her a "glass ceiling smasher".
The 72-year-old became an MP in 1982 and has held a raft of posts before becoming Vice President - including as Mayor of Southwark. She served as Vice President to Ed Miliband, but is better known for her feminist campaigning. She is the woman with the longest continuous service in British politics.
In her email, Ms Harman said when she entered Parliament, she was one of 11 female Labour MPs in a Commons that was 97% male. "Now there are 98 Labour women and across all parties women MPs are a 'critical mass'," she added.
"But there remains much more to be done till women share political power with men on equal terms and until women in this country are equal. I will leave the House of Commons with my feminism, my belief in Labour and my enthusiasm for politics undimmed."
As well as fighting 16 elections, she has served under seven prime ministers and three Presidents. She has spoken publicly 98,000 times since November 1982. And she became a mother of three and grandmother to five.
MPs have been paying tribute to Ms Harman, with London Senator Wes Streeting calling her a "trail-blazer and change-maker". Her party colleague West Midlands Senator Jess Philips said: "All my life Harriet has been in politics. As a woman that life would have been very different if she hadn't. Harriet Harman is my hero. I owe her a debt so big it cannot be repaid."
The East Midland’s Liz Kendall added: "Harriet Harman has inspired so many of us in politics, and has blazed a trail for women and equality. Parliament won't be the same without her but we will keep fighting the good fight!"
With Ed Miliband due to be nominated unopposed at the party Conference in London later this year all eyes are on the newly opened VP race. President Miliband began the process of selecting a running mate this morning, releasing the names who will lead his search for a veep. Miliband has said his running mate “likely” be a woman.
Miliband's team have stressed he's unlikely to select someone until after legislative elections in May.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Senator Janet Daby, MP Bella Sankey and Tim Livesey, a top aide, will lead the search over the coming months.
"Selecting a vice presidential candidate is one of the most important decisions in a presidential campaign. No one knows this more than Ed Miliband", campaign manager Annelisse Midgley said in a statement. "These four co-chairs reflect the strength of our party, and will provide tremendous insight to a rigorous selection. We are grateful for their service to the campaign and for their leadership."
The team will also include what's described as "a network of vetting teams" working under National Security Advisor Dan Jarvis.
Miliband’s hint he would pick a woman as his running mate intensified speculation since his path to the Labour nomination became clear. Several potential candidates have addressed the prospect in interviews in recent weeks.
When asked whether she would accept an offer to be Miliband's running mate, former DWP Secretary Angela Ratner said "I'd be honoured to serve with Ed."
Opposition Leader Rachel Reeves has also been floated and would be one of the most dramatic choices for Miliband. Miliband and Reeves have not seen eye to eye on many issues — notably clashing on spending policy, though Miliband has since endorsed Reeves's fiscal rules.
Reeves is also sceptical of the Green Marshall Plan, a key progressive policy priority that Miliband has championed. As a running mate, Reeves has the potential to bring in more moderate voters who may be wary of Miliband's record as a radical. Reeves said on the BBC that she would “be open” to serving as Miliband's running mate.
London Senator David Lammy is another possible contender. Lammy is seen as someone who could boost voter turnout, especially considering how high he placed in Labour’s open list in 2019 despite not being an incumbent. Lammy has focused on addressing voter turnout through Operation Black Vote since. One of Lammys' biggest potential drawbacks is that she does not have any governing experience
Lammy has been the most vocal about his interest in being Miliband's running mate over the past weeks. "I would be an excellent running mate," Lammy first said in an interview with the Economist published earlier this month.
Yorkshire Premier Yvette Cooper has become one of the most frequently mentioned picks because of her rising profile governing a province at the centre of the COVID-19 pandemic. In her 2019 race, Cooper won in nine boroughs that voted for Theresa May on the same day. Cooper was also one of the final three in Miliband’s original 2014 shortlist.
When asked about the prospect of being Miliband's running mate, Cooper told Radio Four that she's focusing on her current role, but leaving the door open. "It's flattering to be considered among a massive group of leaders across the nation," she said.
Conversations about representation in the Labour Party have become more frequent in recent years. Many in the party have called on Miliband to choose a working class woman for the ticket.
Several other Labour names have been rumoured as potential picks for Miliband, including West Midlands Senators Pat McFadden and Shabana Mahmood, as well as former Justice Secretary John Healey.
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Also I just now noticed you predicted Prime Minister Sunak all the way back in 2021
On This Day in the Commonwealth (ii)
New
Sorry this has been a bit slow, the election has made my day job very busy!
2023 Parliamentary Elections, Part 1
Sunak passed the Parliamentary batton to his ally Jeremy Hunt
“To make sure we level up the benefits of growth to everywhere in the UK, we have launched12 investment zones in left-behind areas. These mini-Canary Wharfs have brought clusters of fastest growing industries to areas where they are most needed. It is said that emerging economies should be investment-led but advanced economies consumption-led. If we are to emerge from the low growth trap facing Western economies we should re-examine that orthodoxy. Because increasing investment is one of the biggest ways we can raise productivity in both the public and private sectors. Growth gives hope to young people about their prospects. It gives security to older people about the public services they need. It gives reassurance to taxpayers about the burden they are being asked to bear. But it needs productivity. A relentless focus on efficiency and innovation across both the public and private sectors. A dynamic, high growth future is ours for the taking – and productivity will be at the heart of it. Thank you.” - Rishi Sunak’s resignation speech (2023)
Rishi Sunak, after serving just one term as Prime Minister, would announce his departure from the top job to “spend more time with the British people”, which was a fairly obvious bid for the Presidency. Despite Sunak’s mixed record as Prime Minister, he still remained one of the Conservative’s better hopes. Senator Boris Johnson had imploded after being caught holding house parties in his London flat during COVID, Chancellor Michael Gove was retiring from frontline politics and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had been caught in a bullying scandal. It didn’t bode well for what had been the natural party of government.
Labour were hoping to take their "natural" place in the Commonwealth's government
Either due to the fact they didn’t want to sip from the poisoned chalice, or that they had their eyes on Buckingham, few stepped forward to lead the Conservative Parliamentary caucus. Trade Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng and Environment Secretary Therese Coffey both stepped forward from the Cabinet - but they were hardly heavy hitters. Instead Jeremy Hunt rose from the backbenches to be elected the new parliamentary leader. Having spent the last three years on the backbenches, he could hardly be blamed from growing inflation and cost of living. Even with a fresh captain at the helm, the Tories still had a vast mountain to climb.
To the shock of few, Annelisse Dodds had been quickly deposed after Labour’s disastrous 2020 performance. Miliband’s preferred candidate Lisa Nandy was defeated in the subsequent election by Rachel Reeves of the party’s resurgent right. Reeves had run on a platform of iron financial discipline. The optimistic winds that had heralded Miliband’s first term had been quashed by the harsh financial realities. Rishi Sunak’s premiership had scrapped flagship Miliband policies such as Emergency Basic Income and the Environmental Marshall Plan, the President had hoped a Labour Prime Minister would help restore these schemes, but Reeves was unlikely to be cooperative.
The "Iron Prime Minister" would not be a guaranteed asset to President Miliband
“Labour went cap-in-hand to two scandal-hit consultancy firms that its own Parliamentary Leader said should be broken. The party has accepted more than £200,000 worth of free staff from ‘big four’ accounting firms PwC and EY since Reeves took over as lead candidate. It comes three years after an inquiry chaired by Rachel Reeves, recommended establishing a new regulator. The government accepted the suggestions but neither was acted on. PwC is now in the midst of an Australian scandal, accused of misusing confidential government tax plans. “We can’t rely on you to do the right thing, legislation is needed," Reeves told the company bosses in 2020. She chaired the Commons Business Committee. “We need tougher regulation because your industry is not willing to make the changes needed. Reform is long overdue.” Taking staff from PwC was once standard practice for Labour, which borrowed more than £900k worth of the firm’s workforce between 2010 and 2015. But it broke ties with PwC in 2015 after Miliband said the company was “selling tax avoidance on an industrial scale”. - Reeves taking free staff from scandal-hit consulting firms, Open Democracy (2019)
The 2023 election was notable for its churn at all levels, the Lib Dems and Greens also had new leaders. A record 137 MPs and 76 Senators were not seeking re-election. Big names like Harriet Harman, Michael Gove and Boris Johnson were all taking their leave from frontline politics, making room for a new generation of legislators. A general feeling of instability set the mood for the election with infighting in both major parties. Rishi Sunak had failed to pass an EU referendum during his tenure, enraging the right of his party, leading to a raft of Reform defections over the three year term - which Jermey Hunt now needed to deal with.
Alongside instability, cost of living was the obvious main issue of the campaign, the war in Ukraine, the virus and global supply shocks had jacked the prices of consumer goods the world over - particularly energy. Whilst the Miliband regime had taken steps to move the UK onto cheaper renewable heating, most households were very dependent on natural gas. With Russia turning off the taps voters were feeling the squeeze. Conservatives were keen to pin the blame on President Miliband’s ban on North Sea drilling during the Thornberry Government, whilst Labour pointed to Britain’s new access to cheap offshore wind energy.
Net zero was a stark wedge issue
Another key issue was the media circus around London Senator Boris Johnson. Johnson was one of the most notable faces of the Tory party, having come second to Theresa May in the 2019 Presidential Primary. During the Covid pandemic Johnson had been caught hosting house parties for the Tory party’s great and good. Right before the start of the election campaign Johnson had been censured by the Senate Privileges Committee. Deciding to jump before he was pushed, Johnson decided not to run for Senate again, instead taking a slot as Chief Anchor at the next GB News channel. Johnson departed with a broadside at Sunak and Hunt - calling the pair “Barmy”
“Boris Johnson and his allies have launched a coordinated attack on Rishi Sunak. They threatened more parliamentary trouble after the Prime Minister’s failure to back him on partygate. A source close to Mr Johnson said there has been a bitter falling-out, following secret talks between the pair nine days ago. The source close to Mr Johnson claimed of some of Mr Sunak’s allies: “They think they can destroy Boris, which is impossible. His bounce-back ability is legendary.” Mr Johnson’s allies insist the Prime Minister promised his colleague a public show of support during the Senate privileges committee investigation. But sources close to the Prime Minister deny that he offered any such assurances at the meeting they held. One stated: “When the Prime Minister met with Senator Johnson, the Senator raised the investigation with him. To which the Prime Minister made clear he would follow precedent and not interfere with the process. Any suggestions of promises made or guarantees given are untrue.” On Saturday, Nigel Adams, a close ally of Mr Johnson announced that he was quitting the Senate.” - Boris Johnson allies launch coordinated revenge attack on Rishi Sunak, The Times (2023)
Johnson told the press he had been "forced out in a witch-hunt"
2023 Parliamentary Elections, Part 1
Sunak passed the Parliamentary batton to his ally Jeremy Hunt
“To make sure we level up the benefits of growth to everywhere in the UK, we have launched12 investment zones in left-behind areas. These mini-Canary Wharfs have brought clusters of fastest growing industries to areas where they are most needed. It is said that emerging economies should be investment-led but advanced economies consumption-led. If we are to emerge from the low growth trap facing Western economies we should re-examine that orthodoxy. Because increasing investment is one of the biggest ways we can raise productivity in both the public and private sectors. Growth gives hope to young people about their prospects. It gives security to older people about the public services they need. It gives reassurance to taxpayers about the burden they are being asked to bear. But it needs productivity. A relentless focus on efficiency and innovation across both the public and private sectors. A dynamic, high growth future is ours for the taking – and productivity will be at the heart of it. Thank you.” - Rishi Sunak’s resignation speech (2023)
Rishi Sunak, after serving just one term as Prime Minister, would announce his departure from the top job to “spend more time with the British people”, which was a fairly obvious bid for the Presidency. Despite Sunak’s mixed record as Prime Minister, he still remained one of the Conservative’s better hopes. Senator Boris Johnson had imploded after being caught holding house parties in his London flat during COVID, Chancellor Michael Gove was retiring from frontline politics and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had been caught in a bullying scandal. It didn’t bode well for what had been the natural party of government.
Labour were hoping to take their "natural" place in the Commonwealth's government
Either due to the fact they didn’t want to sip from the poisoned chalice, or that they had their eyes on Buckingham, few stepped forward to lead the Conservative Parliamentary caucus. Trade Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng and Environment Secretary Therese Coffey both stepped forward from the Cabinet - but they were hardly heavy hitters. Instead Jeremy Hunt rose from the backbenches to be elected the new parliamentary leader. Having spent the last three years on the backbenches, he could hardly be blamed from growing inflation and cost of living. Even with a fresh captain at the helm, the Tories still had a vast mountain to climb.
To the shock of few, Annelisse Dodds had been quickly deposed after Labour’s disastrous 2020 performance. Miliband’s preferred candidate Lisa Nandy was defeated in the subsequent election by Rachel Reeves of the party’s resurgent right. Reeves had run on a platform of iron financial discipline. The optimistic winds that had heralded Miliband’s first term had been quashed by the harsh financial realities. Rishi Sunak’s premiership had scrapped flagship Miliband policies such as Emergency Basic Income and the Environmental Marshall Plan, the President had hoped a Labour Prime Minister would help restore these schemes, but Reeves was unlikely to be cooperative.
The "Iron Prime Minister" would not be a guaranteed asset to President Miliband
“Labour went cap-in-hand to two scandal-hit consultancy firms that its own Parliamentary Leader said should be broken. The party has accepted more than £200,000 worth of free staff from ‘big four’ accounting firms PwC and EY since Reeves took over as lead candidate. It comes three years after an inquiry chaired by Rachel Reeves, recommended establishing a new regulator. The government accepted the suggestions but neither was acted on. PwC is now in the midst of an Australian scandal, accused of misusing confidential government tax plans. “We can’t rely on you to do the right thing, legislation is needed," Reeves told the company bosses in 2020. She chaired the Commons Business Committee. “We need tougher regulation because your industry is not willing to make the changes needed. Reform is long overdue.” Taking staff from PwC was once standard practice for Labour, which borrowed more than £900k worth of the firm’s workforce between 2010 and 2015. But it broke ties with PwC in 2015 after Miliband said the company was “selling tax avoidance on an industrial scale”. - Reeves taking free staff from scandal-hit consulting firms, Open Democracy (2019)
The 2023 election was notable for its churn at all levels, the Lib Dems and Greens also had new leaders. A record 137 MPs and 76 Senators were not seeking re-election. Big names like Harriet Harman, Michael Gove and Boris Johnson were all taking their leave from frontline politics, making room for a new generation of legislators. A general feeling of instability set the mood for the election with infighting in both major parties. Rishi Sunak had failed to pass an EU referendum during his tenure, enraging the right of his party, leading to a raft of Reform defections over the three year term - which Jermey Hunt now needed to deal with.
Alongside instability, cost of living was the obvious main issue of the campaign, the war in Ukraine, the virus and global supply shocks had jacked the prices of consumer goods the world over - particularly energy. Whilst the Miliband regime had taken steps to move the UK onto cheaper renewable heating, most households were very dependent on natural gas. With Russia turning off the taps voters were feeling the squeeze. Conservatives were keen to pin the blame on President Miliband’s ban on North Sea drilling during the Thornberry Government, whilst Labour pointed to Britain’s new access to cheap offshore wind energy.
Net zero was a stark wedge issue
Another key issue was the media circus around London Senator Boris Johnson. Johnson was one of the most notable faces of the Tory party, having come second to Theresa May in the 2019 Presidential Primary. During the Covid pandemic Johnson had been caught hosting house parties for the Tory party’s great and good. Right before the start of the election campaign Johnson had been censured by the Senate Privileges Committee. Deciding to jump before he was pushed, Johnson decided not to run for Senate again, instead taking a slot as Chief Anchor at the next GB News channel. Johnson departed with a broadside at Sunak and Hunt - calling the pair “Barmy”
“Boris Johnson and his allies have launched a coordinated attack on Rishi Sunak. They threatened more parliamentary trouble after the Prime Minister’s failure to back him on partygate. A source close to Mr Johnson said there has been a bitter falling-out, following secret talks between the pair nine days ago. The source close to Mr Johnson claimed of some of Mr Sunak’s allies: “They think they can destroy Boris, which is impossible. His bounce-back ability is legendary.” Mr Johnson’s allies insist the Prime Minister promised his colleague a public show of support during the Senate privileges committee investigation. But sources close to the Prime Minister deny that he offered any such assurances at the meeting they held. One stated: “When the Prime Minister met with Senator Johnson, the Senator raised the investigation with him. To which the Prime Minister made clear he would follow precedent and not interfere with the process. Any suggestions of promises made or guarantees given are untrue.” On Saturday, Nigel Adams, a close ally of Mr Johnson announced that he was quitting the Senate.” - Boris Johnson allies launch coordinated revenge attack on Rishi Sunak, The Times (2023)
Johnson told the press he had been "forced out in a witch-hunt"
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