United Kingdom Embassy

[UK Embassy]

United Kingdom Embassy
Forums

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Welcome to the gameside United Kingdom Embassy!

The United Kingdom is a decade old British-themed region with a rich history, as well as a large community of friendly people. We are the largest British themed region in NationStates with a population of 376 (as of 05/04/18). We're an inclusive region that loves democracy and collaboration with others! We have always considered ourselves an approachable and hospitable region - able and willing to work with regions from all different kinds of background. Over the past few years our foreign policy has been become more aggressively collaborative - as we continue to develop long-standing friendships that benefit all.

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This thread shall be utilised by His Majesty's Government (specifically the Foreign Secretary) in order to issue statements and publish our updates/dispatches.

Comments and queries are welcome!

His Majesty's Government

Monarch: His Majesty King James IV & IX
Princess of Wales: Princess Victoria

Prime Minister: Lucas Wessex
Deputy Prime Minister: Jay Dee Bonaparte
Home Secretary: James D. Hamilton
Foreign Secretary: George Wessex
Culture Secretary: Jay Dee Bonaparte
Attorney General: William Kudrow

WA Delegate: Arthur Jameson

[Indo-Malaysia]

The flags on that banner are the wrong way

[The Noble Thatcherites]

The flags on that banner are the wrong way

OOF

[JayDee II]

The flags on that banner are the wrong way

Be careful, you're gonna confuse poor Georgie!

[Solorni]

Where did you guys draw the inspiration to create a British region?

[JayDee II]

Where did you guys draw the inspiration to create a British region?

Considering we were among the first, everyone drew inspiration from us

[Malphe]

Where did you guys draw the inspiration to create a British region?

I'd imagine that the founder got hold of the regional name United Kingdom and that was inspiration enough. Why do you ask?

[UK Embassy]

[Ikania]

I swear to God, we better not be in for another slew of picture-only regional updates.

[Consular]

Yes let's copy KGB's bloody image updates. Because they were SO POPULAR.

[Cormactopia Prime]

I'll try a slightly nicer approach than has been tried so far...

Given that we've had many discussions on this forum about how these image-only updates don't work for visually impaired people who rely on text readers, etc., could the United Kingdom please, as a courtesy to visually impaired players, provide accompanying text with its image updates? Even if that text is in a spoiler, as Osiris does, at least there would be text available for visually impaired players and they won't have to feel excluded from gameplay.

[Reploid Productions]

I'll try a slightly nicer approach than has been tried so far...

Given that we've had many discussions on this forum about how these image-only updates don't work for visually impaired people who rely on text readers, etc., could the United Kingdom please, as a courtesy to visually impaired players, provide accompanying text with its image updates? Even if that text is in a spoiler, as Osiris does, at least there would be text available for visually impaired players and they won't have to feel excluded from gameplay.

^--- This, please. Additionally, image-based updates can eat up data usage like crazy for folks browsing on mobile devices, and an image that looks fine and dandy on a computer screen can be unreadable without a bunch of zooming in/out on mobile devices.

Good rule of thumb for anything you want people to read: The easier it is for someone to read your content, the more likely they are to actually read it. The harder it is to read due to color choice/formatting/grammar/etc, the less likely they are to bother with it.

[Via Vulpes]

Where did you guys draw the inspiration to create a British region?

lol Kate. Don't forget to Constance-ly remind them "Remember, remember the Fourth of November"!


When's the monthly update coming out?

[The Sapientia]

To jump on the anti-image update the off-white looks pretty horrid while using the dark theme. Very off-putting

[JayDee II]

Where did you guys draw the inspiration to create a British region?

lol Kate. Don't forget to Constance-ly remind them "Remember, remember the Fourth of November"!


When's the monthly update coming out?

11/4 - Never Forget
Remember, remember the Fourth of November,
The Pornspammer Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason,
Why the Pornspammer Treason, should ever be forgot.

[UK Embassy]

Our apologies for the inconvenience of the image update this time around. I'll ensure that our team post text updates from now on

[UK Embassy]

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12th April 2018

James IV & IX, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of our other realms and territories, King. To all Lords Spiritual and Lords Temporal and all other our subjects whatsoever to whom these present shall come, greeting.

~

As King, I hereby command the Lord Chamberlain to dispatch the following invitations to the Investiture of the Princess of Wales to all citizens of the United Kingdom and foreign dignitaries.

The ceremony shall be conducted by His Reverend, Alexander Stewart, Chaplain to the Royal Household.

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Investiture of the Princess of Wales
HRH Princess Victoria Stewart

15 April 2018
Central Hall, Westminster

BY HIS MAJESTY'S COMMAND
James R.

[NSUK Foreign and Defence Office]

Election and Cabinet Appointments

In a wild, active, and competitive election in early June, the people of the United Kingdom elected a new Prime Minister, the House of Commons, and a new Mayor of London. The election brought an end to Lucas Wessex's two-term stint as Prime Minister with Akillian Talleyrand, himself a former multi-term Prime Minister, getting elected with no opposition. For the Mayor of London, JayDee Bonaparte, the Deputy Prime Minister under the Wessex Premiership, was elected Mayor also with no opposition.

In the House of Commons, there were some big winners and big losers in the race. 8 candidates ran for the 5 seats of the House of Commons. Two big loses were Prime Minister Lucas Wessex and former MP Francis A. Stuart, who came in last with 9 votes. Henry Norfolk also lost the election with 11 votes cast in his favor. Akillian Talleyrand, George Wessex, Michael Stewart were all returned to Parliament. With Sacul Astoria and Jacob-Rees Mogg, who recently returned to the region, also winning seats in the House.

Not long after being appointed Prime Minister, Akillian Talleyrand announced his cabinet. For Deputy Prime Minister he chose Daniel Norfolk a long time citizen of the region with an impressive resume behind him. For Home Secretary, he chose Andrew Fraser, another long-time resident of the region with many terms as Prime Minister under his belt. Due to the activity of the military, the Prime Minister decided to combine the Foreign Affairs Office and Ministry of Defence under the role of Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Defence, for this role he chose Francis A. Stuart, who had served as Foreign Secretary before. For Culture Secretary he chose former Prime Minister Lucas Wessex, for Attorney General he chose Jan van Dijk, and for the new Secretary of State for Public Services he chose Arthur Jameson.

[UKUpdates]

BBC World Service (Octvember 2018)

UK Regional Forum | UK NationStates Page| UK Discord

Election Time... Twice



In the October General Election, the region headed to the polls once again in order to select a Prime Minister and Members of Parliament. Michael Stewart was denied a second subsequent term as Prime Minister with Henry Norfolk securing the Premiership 14 votes to 11. Stewart, a former incumbent Prime Minister and Norfolk, a candidate of several previous races for Prime Minister, presented a battle of experience. Both candidates had an active campaign, focusing on issues such as a renewed foreign policy, recruitment ideas and who was best placed to give the region momentum on the new forum. After a long contest, it was Norfolk who took the most votes in order to secure the Premiership.

In the race for Parliament, the Pragmatic Alliance lost its majority, picking up only two seats. Those were through defeated Prime Minister Mike Stewart and JayDee Bonaparte. The Scottish Unionist Party established themselves in Parliament once more with their leader Klaus Mikaelson securing a seat, with Prime Minister Henry Norfolk completing the top 4. Controversy arose in the battle for the final seat as the leader of the newly established Conservative Party Samuel Kohnaarikson and independent candidate Charlie Beckett were tied until a vote came after the polls closed. However, the electoral officers certified Beckett as the winner.

The full results are contained below:

Henry Norfolk (LP): 14 votes (53.33)
Michael Stewart (PA): 11 votes (46.67%)

Samuel Kohnaarikson (Con): 11 votes (12.22%)
Klaus Mikaelson (SUP): 15 votes (16.67%)
Michael Stewart (PA): 15 votes (16.67%)
Jay Dee Bonaparte (PA): 15 votes (16.67%)
Charlie Beckett (Ind): 12 votes (13.33%)
Henry Norfolk (LP): 13 votes (14.44%)
Vlaska (PA): 9 votes

Not long after securing a seat for Parliament and proving to be an active MP, Charlie Beckett surprisingly resigned. Beckett got of to a quick start in Parliament, proposing several bills and generating a debate throughout the region on removing the House of Lords. Attributed to time constraints and the stonewalling of his ideas, Beckett resigned for Parliament although has continued to be an active Citizen as the region enters a Constitutional Convention. The race to succeed Beckett was between John Spencer-Churchill of the Pragmatic Alliance - who were seeking to regain their majority - and independent candidate Madeline Norfolk, the current Home Secretary. All other parties did not field a candidate and some backed Norfolk, seeking to block the PA majority. In a close race, Spencer-Churchill prevailed by one vote.

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Cabinet of Curiosities



Prime Minister Henry Norfolk began his term announcing a cabinet with a mix of experience. Long term former Prime Minister Klaus Mikaelson joined the Cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister and Attorney General, while multi-term Cabinet member JayDee Bonaparte returned as External Affairs Secretary. Samuel Kohnaarikson and Arthur Pendragon, who each served once previously in the Cabinet, got another opportunity as Culture Secretary and Home Secretary respectively. Newcomer and first time Cabinet member Madeline Norfolk completed the Cabinet appointments.

The Cabinet got to a busy start, announcing an updated Citizenship list and reformed application process. The External Affairs Secretary announced the repeal of several treaties, including the League of Regions and announced a State Visit with Europeia. The Culture Secretary commenced a new game of Constituency Battle, an activity generated competition and initiated the introduction of Prince Edward/Akillian Talleyrand into the Hall of Fame. The Prime Minister also announced Georgiana Stewart, a long time member of the House of Lords and former Queen, as his appointment to the Crown Court. This followed a controversial decision of the House of Commons last term to reject the previous Prime Minister's nominee, a decision praised and attacked by differing citizens. Georgiana Stewart however managed to be confirmed unanimously.

Over the course of the term, the Cabinet has reshuffled, with Madeline Norfolk becoming Home Secretary and Samuel Kohnaarik replacing her as Public Services Secretary, while continuing as Culture Secretary. Sacul Astoria replaced JayDee Bonaparte who resigned following the completion of the Europeia State Visit.

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Constitutional Convention



Faced with multiple proposals on Constitutional changes and growing calls for reform, the Lord Speaker and the Speaker of the House of Commons convened a Constitutional Convention. Citizens have not been shy about making proposed changes and debating with one another. Among the changes proposed is reforms to Parliament, ranging from maximum debate time to wide scale changes, such as a single debating Chamber or removing the House of Lords. Others have also proposed changes to the Crown Court to implement another Court tier to increase judicial experience and the activity of the Court.

One proposal that is receiving strong support is an amendment to allow the Prime Minister to alter the Cabinet composition without authority from Parliament, though debate has stalled over concerns with the wording proposed. A bill aimed at making this change without amending the Constitution was previously struck down by the Court. Other proposals have included parliamentary confirmation of the Cabinet, a required debating opportunity given to the Citizenry and a minimum standard of activity to vote in elections.

Aside from the Constitutional Convention, Parliament has been busy with other work. Two treaties have been repealed due to the allies being deemed inactive. Parliament also removed illicit military activity from the Criminal Code, giving more flexibility to Citizens to work outside the regional army. A bill to alter the definition of espionage was voted down by the House of Lords.

In addition to this, the Regency Act was passed both chambers and seeks to define procedures for an automatic Regency period of the Crown. An Amendment to the Election Act to allow campaigning in more places also passed both chambers. Presently, the House of Lords continues to debate repeal of the Full Representation Act, which established an elected position on the NS site, and MP's continue to debate strongly on a proposed bill regulating the University. The University Reform Act passed the House of Lords but the House of Commons continues to debate the bill, with MP's divided on the set up of the governing board, resulting in the legislation stalling.

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Inter-regional Affairs



Unlike between the similarly named but totally unaffiliated real-world UK and Europe, the friendship between long-standing allies NSUK and Europeia is running strong. Visitors from each region arrived upon the other's shore. Europeians were welcomed into the UK, being fast-tracked through border control to avoid any awkward situations. They partook in spam games, quizzes, and a prize was given out for the highest poster at the festival. Then the Brits crossed over to Europeia, where they were welcomed in equal measure by their Europeian friends. Besides this two-way state visit, the UK and Europeia also met in another, larger inter-regional event - UCR-con, a convention held on Discord for User Created Regions. The UK had its own stand to chat to members of other like-minded regions, and citizens could visit lectures, partake in discussions, and enjoy the company of people from all across the globe.

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MP... PM... PoW... Hall of Fame Inductee!



Last week, citizens of UK lined the streets to hear who would be selected as the latest inductee into the regional Hall of Fame. Many citizens were expecting a pillar of the community, a Goliath of the forum, and were instead greeted with the name Akillian Talleryand, also known as the Edward Stewart, the Prince of Wales. Members of the crowd seemed confused and dismayed, with some questioning the decision and others wondering out-loud if the Hall of Fame selection committee had run out of qualified individuals. It is a sad day indeed when someone who has done so little for the region can swindle his way into the Hall of Fame. Akillian has served in a number of Cabinet positions during his Tenure in UK, as well as being elected to the House of Commons numerous times. He is one of only two Prime Ministers in UK history to be elected to high office three consecutive terms, and at one point left politics behind to serve as the Chief Justice of the Crown Court. Noting how little he has achieved personally, it is widely assumed that he somehow bribed his way into the position of Prince of Wales and soon to be King, as he clearly hasn't earned it. So as citizens of UK get used to the newest addition into the Hall of Fame, some must surely be wondering, how much further can we fall?

The BBC congratulates Akillian on this well-deserved, and wishes him the best in all future....may they happen elsewhere

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A Week of Terror



Spookiness hit the United Kingdom as it probably did many regions across NationStates as October grew to a close. The Spooky Saloon was set up to show off creepy costumes, petrifying pumpkins, and terrifying traditions. Meanwhile the Pumpkin Patch was overrun by spooky spammers, horrifying hexes being flung left, right, and centre. A game of Werewolf was set up, turning both friends and enemies against each other. In summary, nothing out of the ordinary really.


Thank you for reading!
His Majesty's Office for External Affairs is proud to provide this edition of our monthly major update.

[Via Vulpes]

JFC, SBI is still there? Wow.

[UKUpdates]

BBC World Service

UK Regional Forum | UK NationStates Page| UK Discord

Former King James IV & IX

On the 17th of November, King James IV & IX announced that, “with a heavy heart, but with hope for the future”, he would be abdicating from the British throne. The abdication took place today, the 1st of December, almost a year after King James’ ascension in 2017, and exactly two years after he was named Prince of Wales, heir to Charles III.

King James will be succeeded by his son, Prince Edward, an esteemed and active member of the community who has served throughout all branches of government before joining the Royal Family, then better known as Akillian Talleyrand. He had the following to say towards his father’s upon his abdication announcement: “You epitomise the values of duty, service and region above self. Since your ascent to Royalty almost two years, you have never wavered from these ideals. You have been a strong and capable leader for a long time and our community should be grateful. I have always appreciated our interactions, your kindness towards me and respected your diligent ways. It has been an honour to serve under your reign as Prince of Wales and your son. I hope to continue the service I've been able to observe and learn from. Thank you for all you have done, and I hope continue to do in this new period.” Other citizens were quick to offer similar sentiments about King James.

Hopes are high for the reign of Prince Edward, one of the region’s most active and respected members. He was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, an honour reserved for those who are true cornerstones of our society and have excelled in their duties to the people of the United Kingdom. It is hard to imagine a more fitting successor for the British throne. We wish him the best of luck, and may his reign be long and prosperous!

Thank You for Reading!
His Majesty's Office for External Affairs is proud to provide this edition of our monthly major update.

[Cool Spring]

God Save King James, and May God Bless the new King, Edward!

Myself, and my Europeian brothers and sisters, look to a successful reign for HRM Edward!

God Save the King!

[Lugus Triune]

Balder sends their congratulations to King Edward on his coronation, and wishes him a long and prosperous reign!

[First Holy Galactic Empire of Arcadia]

I am proud as the representative of The Land of Kings and Emperor region to come and give my best congratulations to the new sovereign and wish him a glorious reign like all his predecessors. We share this immense joy with you, our long-standing allies, that may last the new reign of the King in peace.

Glory to UK!
God save the King!

[Austerain]

I hold King Edward (or as I know him, Akillian) in high esteem and wish him the best in his reign. If His Majesty's long career in service to UK is any indication, I know NSUK will flourish. Very excited by this news!!