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Peers pressured

Article Abstract:

The queen of England in her usual speech before the opening of Parliament read the government's program for the year. Among other bills, she announced that the government would introduce a bill that would remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords. Although many new about this, some figures cried "shame" which was followed by members House of Commons murmuring, which is a metaphor for off-with-their-heads. The event was significant because in the history of British government, no parliament had ever interrupted the queen's speech in such a manner.

Reports, United Kingdom. Parliament. House of Lords, Political planning

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Spinning out of control

Article Abstract:

Peter Mandelson was the director of campaigns and communications in the 1980s for the Labour Party in Britain. He made sure that young members such as Tony Blair received enough exposure on television. With his help, Blair won the party's leadership in 1994. Although he was still feared than loved in British politics, in 1997 he openly ran Blair's campaign that made him the prime minister. Blair in summer 1998 appointed him to the ministry of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Political activity, Political campaigns, Mandelson, Peter

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Leading her majesty from one step behind

Article Abstract:

The United Kingdom's Republicans were surprised to discover that Tony Blair's New Labour government would not support them. Blair's view of the monarchy, however, does not require that the institution be replaced. The monarchy is a useful entity to Blair, who strongly appeals to the conservative tendencies of middle England. Princess Diana's death forced a change in the public's image of the monarchy and Blair's role as prime minister.

Blair, Tony, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Monarchy, British monarchy

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