British Values and Identity - Tasks

1. When was the first attempt at achieving a British identity? Was it successful? Why/why not?
2. What are the main unifying forces mentioned in the text which have contributed to a British national identity? Make a table with seven columns with the following headings: History, Religion, Trade, Empire, Wars, Foreign Relations, Monarchy. Note key words for each.
3. What factors have influenced British national identity in the 21st century?

1. Briefly explore unifying factors for the UK. Try to find out how the UK is different from Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.
2. Explain what it meant and what it now means to be British. How has the notion of Britishness changed over the centuries?
3. The Empire was surely important in defining what it meant to be British. Find out how it took part in forming a feeling of national identity in 19th century Britain.
4. There are obviously many threats to the Union. To what extent is Britain’s membership of the European Union regarded as such a threat?

Give reasons for and against the United Kingdom's future existence. Do you think the Union will be there in 50 years time? Why/why not?