Daily Globe British Values, Global Perspective
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Britain’s contribution to World development has often been tarnished and diluted by those on the left who may want to pollute the brilliant work Mother Britannia has done in an effort to promote socialism. Then there are those who attempt to create a narrative of horror and despair by describing the shortcomings that may have occurred during colonialism. However, no society, no community, and certainly no group of people is without fault. As the Bible says ” He who is without sin cast the first stone”. Few nations could boast of the good that Britain has offered the world which has certainly in all mathematical terms erased whatever perceived mistakes she has made.
It is quite disparaging that some people within the United Kingdom have now began to believe the lies and false commentary which is essentially aimed at creating a picture of gloom and doom. The British people must never fall prey to these conspiracies, instead they must accept that being British isn’t just a nationality but it is a way of life which has led to sustainable development, growth and love throughout our world.
There are five things the British should feel proud about because without them the World would be a totally different place –
1) Protecting World Democracy
“What General Weygand called the Battle of France is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin…Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this Island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, “This was their finest hour” – Winston Churchill (June 18, 1940; House of Commons).
This is one of Churchill’s most powerful and stirring speeches which came at a time when France had just capitulated and Churchill had to explain the dire situation while remaining positive and willing to confront the Nazis. The fact is Europe had essentially fallen to the attacks of the Nazis, but one nation stood strong and stood in the way of a total take over by Hitler. In that dark and vulnerable hour, the British stood not only for their own democracy but for democracy of the world. Had Britain failed in her quest surely the World would have a different outlook today.
2) Rule of Law
In 1215, civil war in England between powerful barons and King John ended when the barons forced the king to sign a document called Magna Carta (Great Charter). The charter set out the feudal rights of the barons and stated that the king could continue to rule but must keep to the established laws and customs of the land. It was the first written document compelling an English king to act according to the rule of law. Some of the more general rights and liberties in the charter have become part of the English and American constitutions and have influenced democratic government throughout the world such as Chapter 39: “No freeman shall be arrested, or detained in prison, or deprived of his freehold, or outlawed, or banished, or in any way molested; and we [the barons] will not set forth against him, nor send against him, unless by the lawful judgment of his peers [social equals] and by the law of the land.” This clause recognized all freemen of the kingdom (king, barons, and commoners) as equals under the law. Today many citizens are free men due to this clause. The right to a trial based on the law was a change from the old system of judgments and convictions based on the king’s absolute authority and became embodied in the 5th Amendment of the US Constitution and other constitutions of democra
3) Democratic Process – the Parliamentary System
In today’s world, many nations are progressing and enjoying the real benefits of the democratic process via the Westminster form of Government. In many Commonwealth nations such as those of the Caribbean, some in Africa, Canada as well as Australia the Westminster system has formed the central pillar of their societies which ensure representation, order, justice and that the law is upheld. But where does the Westminster system originate? The Westminster System is a democratic system of government modeled after that of the United Kingdom, as used in the Palace of Westminster, the location of the UK parliament. The system is a series of conventions and procedures for operating a legislature and today it has ensured that democracy, equitable development and the views as well as needs of citizens are satisfied.
4) Global Growth and World Development
In today’s world many nations around the world continue to benefit from development programs which have been sponsored by the British Government. These outreach programs have and continue to benefit nations within Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean. Through the Commonwealth, the British Council and many times directly through the Foreign Office aid has been given to facilitate education programs, health programs, defense programs and sports. A conservative figure but very safe statement will be ” Millions have benefited from the Foreign aid of the British Government”. The impact of British Foreign Aid has been so prevalent that there currently exists a Political Debate within the UK as to whether the foreign aid budget should be reduced. Typical Britain putting others before herself
5)Cricket as a unifying factor
Cricket is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports, but it is more than just a game to arouse the spirit of competitiveness and athleticism. Cricket was passed on from the colonial developers to many nations within the Commonwealth as a way of bonding with them as well as creating comradery. Today many nations have used the wonderful game not only as a past time but as unifying factor within their own regions as well as avenue to foster national pride. Cricket has a healing power to uplift a nation as can be seen with Afghanistan being given test status, there is no doubt that this will help rebuild a wounded nation.
So as the United Kingdom begins a new journey into a post-Brexit World, Brits must remember the great things Mother Britannia has done for the world and find solace as well as comfort that she can and will champion Global Development once more. Britain is the only European nation to have fully given of herself to ensure that many different countries can enjoy a sustainable way of life. To those who openly condemn the British it is important that they do so only after fully examining the commitment, dedication and support Britain has offered the World.
Britain can shape Global Development once more but Brits must stand with their country and continue fighting for those values which created our world. As a non-Brit, I stand with the greatest nation.
Thank you, Britain
Excellent Nicholas. It is a pity that the historical influence of Britain on the world has been subverted by rank ignorance of our achievements and the lasting benefits of national sovereignty that this great nation has brought to the world. I remember some years ago on a beach in Bali, Indonesia, talking to a student who was working his summer at our hotel as a beach boy and he said to me that his one regret as an Indonesian was that Indonesia had not been colonised by Britain.