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Introduction
The United Kingdom always has a significant influence at the summit.
Prime
Minister Tony Blair received much attention at his first summit in 1997 in
Denver as the new kid on the block who brought a different perspective and
some new ideas to the table. Blair remained the centre of attention at the
1998 Birmingham Summit as its host. His charisma in and of itself draws
attention, but Blair and his government also enjoy significant public
approval ratings and Blair himself has the respect of his fellow G8 leaders
as a negotiator, a leader that gets things done and one who is both socially
conscious and politically astute. The UK economy, although slowing since
Blair's government came into office in May, 1997, remains strong and stable
which will add to their strength around the summit table.
Political Data
Political Data ~
Composition of Parliament ~
Economy
|
Political Data | |
| Head of State: | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister: | Tony Blair |
| Finance Minister / Chancellor of the Exchequer: | Gordon Brown |
| Foreign Minister: | Robin Cook |
| Secretary of State for Trade & Industry: | Stephen Byers |
| Central Bank Governor: | Eddie George |
| Environment Minister: | Jeff Hoon |
| Employment Minister: | David Blunkett |
| Sherpa: | John Holmes |
| Sous-Sherpa: | Colin Budd (FCO) |
| Political Party in Government: | Labour Party
|
|
Composition of Parliament (General Election of May 1, 1997) | |
| Party | # of Seats |
| Labour | 418 |
| Conservative | 165 |
| Liberal-Dem. Party | 46 |
| Scottish Nat'l Party | 6 |
| Plaid Cymru | 4 |
| Unionist (all) | 13 |
| Soc. Dem. & Lab. | 3 |
| Sinn Fein | 2 |
| TOTAL | 659 |
| Next General Election due before: | May 1, 2002
|
| Economic Data | |
| GDP: |
(1995 prices) (pounds milllion) (1997 figure) 756, 144 |
| Population: | 58.8 million |
| Economic Growth Rate: | +1 - 1.5 % in 1999 |
| Unemployment Rate: | (March 1999 - UK claimant unemployment rate) 4.6%, down from 4.8% a year earlier;
(February - ILO 3 month unemployment rate) |
| Interest Rate: | (March 1999) 4.5% |
| Exchange Rate: | (Pounds per US dollar) (May 26, 1999) 0.62437 |
| Current Account: (latest 12 months) |
(1997) (pounds million) +8, 006 |
Prepared by Allison Smith, University of Toronto G8 Research Group, May 1999.
 
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