Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
journalist-department manager
The death ofElizabeth II takes place in a context where Britain is facing several crises: political, economic and energy. Will the Kingdom’s association emerge unscathed?
In times of crisis, we tend to stick to benchmarks. Columns. Symbols. Queen Elizabeth II was one. The symbol of a kingdom, united by the one who celebrated her 70 years of reign – her platinum jubilee – in early June. United by her, whom the vast majority of Britons admired. Most of them had only known her on the throne. But since this Thursday, September 8, and the death of Her Most Gracious Majesty at the age of 96, the foundations of the kingdom have been shattered. When the British people needed it most.
Firstly, because Britain is experiencing one of the most violent political storms in its recent history.. In just six years, four Prime Ministers have settled in 10 Downing Street – David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and most recently Liz Truss. All the more worrying when we look at how some have slammed the door. Boris Johnson, for example, was forced to resign after several political scandals. Partygate, an apartment renovated thanks to taxpayers, the appointment of Christopher Pincher, accused of sexual assault, who ” whip as Deputy Head of Parliamentary Discipline for Conservative MPs. In short, BoJo ends up giving way to Liz Truss…
… which will have to unite with the British, who have not forgotten the anti-monarchist image it once embodied. “We don’t believe people are born to rule. Abolish the monarchy, we’ve had enough », she proclaimed from the height of her 19 years. Another era. Liz Truss says she regrets it today.
Political crisis … and economic crisis. The British and their “angry strikes” are demanding higher wages. Money is often found at the root of social tensions. It must be said that with inflation estimated at +10% over the year in July – a 40-year high – the Kingdom’s population can no longer make ends meet. The BBC recalls that the price of bread and cereals rose by 12.4%. And the poorest households are the first to toast. At the same time, the pound is trading at around $1.16. That’s a loss of more than 15% over a year.
Britain dreads winter. Because he knows it, he is paying for his heavy reliance on Russian gas supplies. The result: an 80% jump in regulated electricity prices… per month and per household! For the poorest across the channel, energy sobriety (which is constantly being hammered home in France) is being imposed on them – for some they no longer want to heat themselves!
Then the British government comes to the aid of an invisible hand in resignation. Mr. Smith, liberalism has its limits. Liz Truss announces a massive rescue plan : from October, household energy bills should not exceed an average of £2,500 per year – that is €2,882. This remains high, but these bills could rise to £3,500 a year from the autumn. We do not invent a welfare state overnight. The European Union is working to protect its most vulnerable households: “We will propose a series of immediate measures that will protect vulnerable consumers and businesses and help them adapt”, explains the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. This European solidarity, effective or notde facto excludes Britain, which has taken the Brexit route, from its action plan.
Last but not least, a cohesion crisis. Because behind so many vulnerabilities, it is Scotland that could once again instill its desire for independence… So what next for the UK?