The political landscape in the UK after Queen Elizabeth II
Christopher Mitchell, assistant professor of politics and international relations at Mount Holyoke College, spoke to Western Mass News about the challenges the people of the United Kingdom are facing after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
On Thursday, September 8, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom passed away at the age of 96. Her son, King Charles III, faces a startlingly different political landscape than his mother did during her seven decades on the throne.
Christopher Mitchell, assistant professor of politics and international relations at Mount Holyoke College, spoke to Western Mass News about the challenges the people of the United Kingdom are facing.
“They have very high inflation, among the highest of the advanced economies. They have an energy crisis that’s among the worst of the European countries because of their geographic separation from the rest of Europe. There’s obviously the war in Ukraine, which they have been taking a firm stance on. … They have continued unrest over Brexit and disputes over how to handle the borders in Northern Ireland,” Mitchell said.
The death of a beloved monarch adds another layer of uncertainty for Liz Truss, who became prime minister last week.
“Liz Truss is already facing a number of substantial challenges, maybe the most challenges since Winston Churchill first became prime minister, and she’s going to have to do it at time when this unifying figure — who has been the reigning monarch for longer than most Britons have been alive — is now being replaced by her son,” Mitchell said.
