With the heightened tensions in the Middle East due to attacks launched by Gaza-based Hamas forces on Israel, this development prompts one to reflect on unexpected changes that are reshaping the world. One such example can be found in the United Kingdom, writes Kung Chan, founder of ANBOUND think tank.
As it stands, the United Kingdom is increasingly showing its diverse façade. Humza Yousaf, the First Minister of Scotland, is of Scottish-Pakistani heritage. His political journey began in 2011 when he was elected as an additional member in the Glasgow electoral region, becoming the youngest-ever elected member in the history of the Scottish Parliament at the age of 26. During his swearing-in ceremony, Yousaf wore traditional South Asian attire, a shalwar kameez, with the Scottish national emblem, the thistle. He recited his oath in both English and Urdu, signifying his heritage and identity.
Rishi Sunak (pictured), the current prime minister of the United Kingdom, is widely recognized as of Indian descent, Punjabi to be precise. His election to the position was celebrated in India, with an NDTV headline saying "Indian son rises over the empire. History comes full circle in Britain".
Amidst the shifts in religious demographics in the UK, Christianity is no longer the predominant religion in England and Wales, as the proportion of believers has dropped below 50%, while Islam has emerged as the fastest-growing religion there over the past decade. The self-identified Muslim population in the UK has increased by 44% in the last ten years, reaching 3.9 million in 2021, constituting approximately 6.5% of the total population.
Such diversity may lead some to perceive a significant transformation. There are those who question the preservation of British heritage and its distinct characteristics, historical legacies, and cultural richness, under such a shift.
Under such a backdrop, the future of the UK is uncertain, and change appears inevitable. The country may experience a conservative social movement akin to the McCarthyism era in the 20th-century United States. When left-wing ideologies become predominant, they may eventually face opposition and evolve into challengers. The UK may see the emergence of influential and charismatic politicians advocating for conservative values.
It is plausible that the UK will witness parliamentary investigations, legal revisions, and social unrest in the future. While some may continue to champion left-wing ideologies, there may be opposition and potential fatalities. The current state of the UK is unlikely to persist indefinitely, and a resurgence of conservative influence may become a new intellectual trend after a period of radical leftism.
In this ever-revolving cycle, the UK might even stand to lead a wave of conservatism, positioning itself as a global trendsetter in both material wealth and ideas, much like it did during World War II. This could align the UK closely with the economically dominant United States.
Media link: https://www.eureporter.co/world/uk/2023/10/25/return-of-conservatism-the-possible-future-of-the-uk/
