Bus drivers, nurses, postmen: the strike wave in Britain is the largest in history for 30 years. An inflation rate of 11 percent makes living standards worse. The past year in particular has turned the country upside down. The Partygate, the internal strife in the Conservative Party and three Prime Ministers. “It was a chaotic year. At a certain point people have had enough,” said political scientist Melanie Sully in a conversation with Jana Pasching. It also does not seem to be calming down about the royals: the reveal book and Prince Harry’s TV appearances caused a lot of commotion in advance: “At every performance, a bridge burns that could have been made.”
With the coronation of King Charles III. in May, a new era for the royal family will certainly begin. He made that clear in his Christmas speech. But the relationship with relatives remains complicated. Prince Harry’s new revelation book will be released on January 10, he himself caused a sensation with TV appearances. “I would like my father back,” said Prince Harry in one of the interviews. Just because you left the monarchy doesn’t mean you have to leave your family, Sully said. “How should an atonement work and why should he tell the world about it?” asks Sully. “It’s a show that a lot of people in Britain have stopped caring about because they have other things on their minds.”
Economy is heading for recession
Boris Johnson still gave people optimism, even if it was “false optimism,” Sully said. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on the other hand, says that everything will get worse before it can get better – people are depressed. Economically everything is heading for a recession, that has been clear for months. “The question is how deep and for how long.” Currently, it is hoped that inflation will slow down soon, so that the economic package that Sunak has already decided on can at least meet wage demands.
A lot of money for war, little for health care
Nurses, railway workers and border guards are demanding higher wages and are therefore laying off their jobs. But the government says there simply isn’t enough money to fully absorb the effects of inflation. “Britain is very heavily involved in the war in Ukraine, which of course also puts pressure on the economy.” Over the years, three percent of gross domestic product has to go to the Ministry of Defense, while things are worsening in other areas, such as health care. That doesn’t go together, says Sully.
The sympathy of the people of England is especially true for nurses, orderlies and other servants in the health sector. Here, too, there are problems everywhere: too little wages, too few staff and poor working conditions. “The heroes of the pandemic were suddenly forgotten.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants new laws restricting the right to strike on railways. Other industries could follow. This would extend the plans already announced by ministers to maintain minimum standards in public transport. In the event of a strike, at least 20 percent of the regular rail connections would have to be maintained.
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Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
