U.K.People&Living

U.K.People&Living

U.K. People & Living

Here we have outlined a few points of intrest about the U.K. Life & Culture,History & Heritage, Sports, Arts & Culture. I hope you find this of interest they are quite amazing people.

Updated 01/06/07 By Elizabeth Biancucci

People & Politics The UK's Parliament is one of the oldest in the world, having its origins in the mid-thirteenth century. Its principles of free elections, freedom of speech and open and equal treatment before the law continue to be fervently upheld. Parliament consists of three parts: the House of Commons, House of Lords and the Crown. It is responsible for making laws, examining the work of government, controlling finance, protecting the individual, examining European proposals and debating key issues. At the end of the twentieth century, legislation was passed by the UK Parliament to create a devolved parliament or assembly in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As a member state of the European Union, the UK is bound by the various types of European Community (EC) legislation and wider policies that are based on a series of treaties signed since the 1950s. Almost all UK Government departments are involved in EU-wide activities. The UK has 78 members of the European Parliament and there are elections every 5 years. The UK also has an active civil society with thousands of non-government organisations (NGOs) that represent the multitude of cultural, ethnic, religious, environmental and other interests of individual citizens. History & Heritage Saxon invasions, Arthurian legends, Elizabethan explorers, Welsh dragons and the battles of Braveheart - the UK can certainly boast a vibrant and colourful past. Today, this legacy reveals itself in an exciting treasure trove of historical attractions which inspire millions of visitors each year. Royal palaces, abbeys, museums and cathedrals, wonderful castles; fine country houses; Roman and Saxon ruins, maritime vessels, ancient sites; whisky distilleries; tin and underground mines, are all waiting to be discovered. And the past is being brought to life in exciting new ways from battlefield re-enactments, virtual tours, Victorian villages, and hands on workshops. Or you can take a step back in time and discover whether your ancestor wore tartan or escaped the English Civil War, by tracing your UK family tree. Importantly, the UK's heritage is also now being actively conserved with the help of public funds, governing bodies and interest groups, all ensuring the past has a future. Arts & Culture The UK has an extraordinarily rich and diverse artistic heritage. British poets, playwrights, musicians, painters and filmmakers have left works that continue to be enjoyed and admired all over the world. The government recognises and encourages the substantial contribution to the economy made by the 'creative industries'. These industries include advertising, architecture, the art and antiques market, crafts, design, designer fashion, film and video, interactive leisure software, music, the performing arts, publishing, software and computer services, television and radio. In addition to support received through the various arts councils in the UK, arts organisations and individuals have benefited enormously from National Lottery funds. Sports Sport is central to life in the UK. Some 36 million people - well over half the British population - take part in a sport or physical recreation at least once a month. UK sportsmen and women hold over 50 world titles in a variety of sports, including professional boxing, rowing, snooker, squash and motorcycle sports. A number of major international sports started in the UK, at least in their modern form, including rugby, football (soccer), cricket, golf, tennis and boxing. They all have a big following, particularly football which is the national game. International events are often held in the UK making use of some of the best equipped stadia and facilities in Europe. Between 25 July and 4 August 2002, Manchester was home to the Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event ever held on British soil. Historically, sport was enjoyed and promoted by individuals from all social classes and from the clubs, associations and governing bodies that they founded. Today, the Government plays a key role in promoting and funding sport through the five Sports Councils, including UK Sport and the four councils for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Since 1998 there has been a 'Sports Cabinet' involved in identifying strategic priorities for sport. This is headed by the secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and includes the ministers responsible for sport in all the UK administrations.