NationStates Jolt Archive

As John Bull's young party bids for the history books, seeking for re-election in a third term after having existed for less than a decade, forces conspire against the British Industrial Democrats.

Labour have accused the British Industrial Democrats of being, "at least as sleazy and corrupt as the Tories they replaced eight years ago" to which the Prime Minister -quoted on leaving an Amsterdam brothel in what was described as, "quite a drunken state" while supposedly in the Netherlands to discuss closer ties with other European democracies- replied, "No, you shut up!"

The Tories claim that Bull's record of nationalisation and welfare has hurt the economy, while devolution -creating all sorts of confusing regional assemblies and local parliaments- has hurt the British state.

Bull rebuts this in a thick accent that nobody can quite place and while wearing a waistcoat adorned with the colours of the union flag, but speaking conflictingly of how that's a good thing, since nationalism leads to division and conflict. This wins him supporters on all sides, and critics in between.

As voters move to make their mark, the Industrial Democrats record is reviewed in the press.

Over more than eight years, John Bull has, according to various sources:

Weakened the sense of Britishness, replacing it with a sort of outward-looking cult of humanitarianism.

Reduced crime by tackling root causes, and has lowered poverty, reducing the rich-poor divide.

Robbed the hard working and given hand-outs to the lazy.

Has ruined the British economy by meddling in private enterprise to bring iconic firms such as Rolls Royce, Jaguar, and many more back to Britain, and by alienating the continental monarchies.

Restored British pride and elevated the working man to a position of respect by giving him the means to turn-out world-beating industrial products, sought after from Tokyo to Washington and by forcing the national carrier to return Concorde to service.

Made Britian a more dangerous place by criticising its continental neighbours and bringing the UK to the brink of war with France and the Estenlands over the backwater of Lavrageria.

Showed the world that Britain has backbone, and that freedom isn't the preserve of North America or South Asia.

Created an assylum crisis by accepting thousands of left-wingers and Protestants from France, and dilluted Britain's sense of identity still further.

Shown compassion and upheld a great English tradition of accepting free-thinking radicals in danger on the continent.

Has wasted billions of pounds on a military designed to inflate his ego.

Has made sure that the UK has the means to defend itself against anti-democratic militancy by enlarging the Royal Navy and re-arming the Royal Air Force.

(Here after, TBF will be handed-over to new ownership, and the outcome of the election will be decided by someone other than myself. Almost nobody knows what is in store for the British Isles. There follows a post on international relations and military reforms made by Bull's government, largely for the sake of the new player in charge.)


The Royal Navy has changed a great deal.

Type 45 Daring Class Air Defence Destroyers
These have been introduced in the configuration described below. HMS Daring was supplied with a 4.5inch gun as on previous destroyers, but all following Type 45s have new 155mm guns. As yet, six are in service. 12 were planned, with several presently being under construction or undergoing trials.

Principle Anti-Air Missile System, 48xAster15 and Aster30 missiles, Sampson radar said to be world’s most advanced, able to deal with stealthy sea-skimming or plunging anti-ship missiles fired in salvos and approaching from several directions at once.
155mm gun
533mm torpedo launch systems
Evolved Goalkeeper 30mm CIWS
Provision for surface-to-surface guided weapons
Merlin or Lynx helicopter
Surface Ship Torpedo Defence System
Can transport and support up to 60 Royal Marines
VLS cruise-missile capacity
5,800 tonnes light, 7,450 deep load
28+ knots
7,000 nautical miles at 18 knots
190 complement
HMS- Daring, Dauntless, Diamond, Duncan, Dragon, Defender

Queen Elizabeth III Class Aircraft Carriers
These have replaced the RN's light carriers (HMS Ocean remains in service), and represent a significant cost increase! Bull was attempting to make Britain the world's second maritime power (after the USQ) but was frustrated by the rise of the Igovian Soviet Commonwealth as a military force early in his government.

64,000 tonnes maximum displacement; 292 metres over all length
27 knots maximum speed
10,000 nautical mile endurance at 15 knots
1,200 typical crew including 600 aircrew; may include 800 Royal Marines
Protected by side armour and armoured bulkheads restored to the design by Bull’s BID government.
Radar boasts detection and tracking range of 400km
4xGoalkeeper CIWS, 2x16-cell Aster SAM systems
Typically 4xMerlin MASC (maritime surveillance and control aircraft), 6xMerlin HM Mk.1, 6xMerlin HC.3, 32xSea Harrier; alternative includes Gazelle, Lynx, Apache, UAVs. Capacity may be as high as sixty aircraft.
HMS- Queen Elizabeth, Prince of Wales in service and HMS Glorious under construction

HMS Courageous
Bull's folley? This battleship was constructed after the French restoration and that nation's development of capital ships. The expense of this project is one major cause for criticism of the BID government, as the ship has not yet seen any action.

Complement 1,560
Over 864ft waterline, 892ft overall length and 120ft beam
59,200t standard and 69,120t deep load
7,800t oil capacity
Four shafts
29knots
16,000nm cruise range
Nine 16” guns with a firing interval below twenty seconds
Twenty-four 155mm DP guns in twelve dual mounts
Forty-eight cell Tomahawk ASM/LAM cruise missile VLS
Four Harpoon quad canister anti-ship missile systems
Two sixteen-cell PAAMS Aster VLS SAM system with Aster 15 and 30 missiles
Nine evolved-Goalkeeper 30mm CIWS
Numerous 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Guns
15” belt armour, 6” average main deck armour, maximum over 7”
Area of ship covered by armour is very extensive
Six UAVs? Quinntonian?
Two Lynx or Merlin helicopters, possibly more- may operate Merlin MASC (MAritime Surveillance and Control aircraft).

The RAF, too!
BAe Hawker-Siddeley Harrier IV/Sea Harrier 4 Super Harrier
To be produced in two versions, this Super Harrier serves the RAF and RN as multi-role strike fighter, the main difference between the two versions being that Sea Harrier 4 mounts navigational systems designed for operation at sea. It is possible that Harrier IV may be operated from carriers as a ground-attack aircraft, though it is apparent that Sea Harrier 4 has most of the same attack capabilities. Super Harrier is meant to be faster, more survivable, and better armed than are its predecessors. Much looks likely to be achieved towards each of these ends, though many improvements only go so far. Survivability will be improved by signature reduction technologies that should make Super Harrier harder to detect and attack. The shielding of the beacons Harrier called intakes is one example of this, but the possibility of external stores carriage will mean that any signature reduction features will have fairly concrete limits. It appears that a last minute requirement for at least some internal capacity has bumped-up the aircraft’s price tag and perhaps its weight.
Still, the improvements in this respect are said to be significant, and are certainly mirrored in any progress they make by other advances towards the stated requirements.
Technical Data
Primary changes in Super Harrier are:
-Larger than Harrier dimensions
-More powerful engine giving supersonic speed
-Altered but still familiar airframe shape to accommodate supersonic operation and signature-reduction
-Construction from new materials to prolong life, decrease weight, and provide some radar absorption
-Shielding of intakes in pursuit of further detection avoidance
-Revision of undercarriage and weapons stowage to facilitate carrier landing with heavier loads
-More modern avionics and ability to deploy new weapons
Approximate dimensions/weights are:
-8.65m span
-17.6m length
-3.75m height
-9,180kg empty weight
-19,120kg maximum take-off weight
Power and performance:
-BAe Systems Bristol Siddeley 2000 vectored thrust engine
-18,150kg thrust
-Mach 1.75 maximum speed at altitude, Mach 1.15 at sea level with external stores
-Mach 1.1 cruise speed
-Range in excess of 3,000km
-Three hour loiter 100 nautical miles from base is achievable
Armament:
-27mm Mauser cannon integral
-Internal bays with four pylons
-Wingtip points for two AIM-132 ASRAAM
-Two under-wing pylons may be fitted to hardpoints
-Air-to-air weapons deployable include AIM-132 ASRAAM and Meteor
-Maximum air-to-air payload is six Meteor and two ASRAAM, or four Meteor with maximum signature-reduction profile
-Air-to-ground weapons deployable include Storm Shadow cruise missiles, Brimstone AGM, BL755 cluster bombs, Paveway II laser and satellite guided bombs, 1,000lb and 540lb General Purpose unguided bombs, CRV-7 unguided rockets
-Bombs may be carried internally, but rocket-pods require external mounting. No ground-attack munitions are designed for carriage on wingtips
-Sea Eagle is the primary anti-ship missile likely to be carried by Sea Harrier 4 and potentially by Harrier IV, and would be mounted under-wing

Under Bull, the BAe Nimrod AEW.3 (airborne early warning platform) was constructed and put into service, with the PM sticking up two fingers to critics of the once abandoned Nimrod AEW programme. Nimrod was beautiful, AEW made her ugly, but Britain still loves her.
The RAF managed by 2004 to deploy 240xEurofighter (20 Squadrons), reverting to the name Typhoon.

NB! TBF's Royal Family remains a strong presence, Bull insisting that the monarchy protects many fundamental rights that should not be subject to alteration by politiking-MPs. The throne presently belongs to Queen Elizabeth III (since 11th June 2004); Heir Apparent Henry Prince of Wales (son of the Queen, born 16th November 1961).

I am sorry that this is in such a disorderly state, but I really just want to stop messing you about and get this off my hands!
The RN has maintained most of its old assets (supposed to be paid-off, but kept on only at the last minute because of the French threat), but a few ships have been sold to Hindustan (he'll have to update you on which specific destroyers, I lost my notes!). Bull was inclined to sell-off old assets to nations like Hindustan, and would have continued to do so if he could.

As to international relations!

Under Bull, TBF lost all diplomatic ties with France.

The UK formed NATO, along with Quinntonia, Roycelandia, and Hudecia, but the organisation has not really proved very solid or effective, and the UK could even be at odds with Roycelandia over France.

In his second term, Bull was moving closer to the Shining Sphere of Revolutionary Co-prosperity, though there is almost no chance of him ever trying to sign the UK up to it. Trade with Spyr and Hindustan especially, I think, was on the increase. Bull is absolutely delighted to see Beth Gellert attack French holdings -though he may not be even remotely as radical as the Igovians- as he really, really doesn't like Louis.

In Africa, Bull was most friendly with Igomo's Lusaka, but he had made sure that NATO did not oblige the UK to get involved in African affairs, because he did not want to meddle with Roycelandian interests.

A lot of Bull's government has been spent worrying about United Elias. At the moment, the nations have good relations, even sharing military bases on Diego Garcia. MPs and advisers have had to work hard to keep Bull from upsetting Baghdad. He doesn't like Elias, but the rest of the government has been desperate to maintain good relations, so I think we're still on good terms.

In Brief

Under Bull, Britain has -by intent or accident-

slightly increased democratic rights, even pushing-through a new direct-democracy bill in the months before the election, stipulating that if 1 million signatures can be obtained within 12 months, a piece of legislation proposed by the public must be addressed in parliament, whether the government likes it or not;

marginally reduced the economy over-all but brought-about significant industrial growth;

introduced new warships and fighter planes, but spent significantly over 3% of GDP on the military, increasing taxes, especially on the richest 5% or so.

From here on out, TBF is under new leadership both in IC and OOC. If there is any information I may need to know not detailed in the brief above, then please telegram me (Hindustan, I’d like to know about what you have bought, ships especially). The following post is somewhat more long winded than necessary, but I encourage you to read it as it will give you some idea as to what the future of the UK is, and also allows me to introduce and develop new characters. For those who don’t understand the British electoral system, this may be a little confusing however…


Dorset, England

Thomas Chaffin stands in a blue three piece suit, wearing a blue rosette on the platform at the front of the town hall. His distinguished greying hair is swept back from his forehead, and a silk handkerchief protrudes from his breast pocket, his expression is neutral, and aloof, his mind engaged in a thousand thoughts. Beside him, the other candidates, and stretched out in front, hundreds of upturned ballot papers and hastily trained bank tellers counting votes. They are finishing, and the media, both television and press stood ready, this was not the important event, but a necessary formality. His chief of staff had whispered in his ear moments ago, that nationwide the picture was favourable, but it would not be an even more horrific hour in the Ante Meridian before the result could be called.

Robed ceremoniously, an elderly and plump gentlemen, reaches the lectern, putting on half rimmed spectacles to read the sheet before him.

“I Mark J Huscroft, being the Returning Officer of the North Dorset constituency, do hereby give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate at the parliamentary election is as follows: Catherine Amelia Brown, the British Industrial Democrat Party Candidate, 4,568 votes, Thomas William Chaffin, the Conservative and Unionist Party Candidate, 31,821 votes, Albert Wareham, the Liberal Party Candidate 9,870, Taylor Douglas Smith, the Labour Party Candidate, 1,212 votes.

“And I do hereby declare that Thomas William Chaffin is duly elected as member for the North Dorset Constituency.”

Applause echoes across what has been a silent room, and the leader of the Conservative Party graciously shakes hands with his defeated opponents. His parliamentary majority has increased, finally after four previous terms, above the 20,000 mark. Now he will travel to London, and over the course of the two hour drive, the country would probably decide their fate so that on his return to Westminster he could either graciously concede to Prime Minister Bull, or to be conceded to.

Amid cheers from the crowd, many waving Tory party banners, he proceeds to exit the town hall, accompanied by his wife, and is rushed by journalists, shouting questions, he silences them and makes several remarks, “The morning is yet young and we don't quite know what it will hold. However I am glad that so many have turned out to exercise their democratic right. You know I believe in choice. And in this election, as always, there is another choice. You could have voted for our opponents, and watch them take Britain steadily back to the 1970s. Back to socialism. Back to strikes. Back to strife. Back to the world's pity, or worse still, contempt. I don't believe Britain wants that. I know the world doesn't want that for Britain. I hope that we have chosen a different course, to go for the best, knowing that Britain can be the best and if I am indeed elected, I will make Britain the best once again.” With these words he climbs into the back of a navy blue Jaguar and is driven off.

Under a modest escort of a Special Branch Range Rover and a pair of Police motorbikes, Chaffin’s car makes fast progress down the motorway, traffic was non-existent, it was the middle of the night after all. His Chief of Staff, the young and highly-strung Andrew Graham-Edwards, sits in the front seat, frantically checking his blackberry every few minutes as constituencies return their results. Thomas Chaffin, however, is now calm, he sits back, holding his wife’s hand, as Wagner is played quietly over the sound system.

London, England

Two and a half hours later, the convoy slips off the Thames embankment, a main artery to central London, and sweeps into the dimly lit back streets of Westminster past a few rows of Georgian townhouses, primarily owned by MPs. Chaffin smiled slightly, at the sight of them, tomorrow a lot of for sale boards would be going up. BBC radio was confirming that the magic number had been reached, the Conservatives would now have a majority in the House of Commons, although how large it would be, would not be known for hours. Either way, he was set to be the next Prime Minister The Jaguar then turns into Smith Square, gracefully moving round the Hawkesmore church that sat in the middle. In one corner, a stately 1930s office building is bustling with activity, hundreds gather outside the Conservative Party’s central office, many of whom are waving Union flags in favour of party signs. The crowd, mostly party employees, volunteers and the MPs who have managed to return from their constituencies, are jubilant, adrenalin overcoming the fatigue of an exhausting election campaign.

On the sign of their Leader’s car, they cheer, and as soon as the car glides to a stop, Thomas Chaffin leaps out, not even allowing the chauffeur to open the door for him. The crowd burst into singing 'Land of Hope and Glory', as he and his wife make their way forward to the entrance, shaking hands as they proceed. When he reaches the pair of heavy oak doors he turns to face his supporters, joining in song until the voices die away.

“I dare say this has been a difficult period for us, of that there is no doubt. We have all felt disappointment so many times, in such predictable fashion, that I was concerned we might not know remember how to celebrate victory. I see that is not the case! It has been a long decade, it has been a long night, and from all of our members of Parliament who have been returned, and those who have been elected for the first time, I am eternally grateful. All of us, all of you, have worked tirelessly, efficiently and with such optimism, but now I’m afraid the hard work has only just begun. As Churchill said, ‘The problems of victory are more agreeable than those of defeat, but they are no less difficult’. I feel it necessary to now pay tribute to the Prime Minister, we have never agreed on policy, but I respect that he is a true patriot, and most definitely a worthy opponent. Whatever his plans for the future, I can say that we John Bull well. To all those who turned out yesterday to cast your ballot, no matter which party you voted for, I hope as I did that you also felt a deep sense of appreciation for the country we live in, of the rights we have and the values we share. I will be a leader for all of Britain, and I always remember that democracy is not just about the majority.”

Hours later, in the grey light of an English dawn, the Election results are in, with the Conservatives winning 343 Parliamentary seats, the British Industrial Party becoming the principal opposition with 197, leaving Labour with 69 and the Liberals with 41. This gives the new government a slender but perfectly workable majority of 35 seats. Now Thomas Chaffin stands at a microphone outside the famous black door of Number. 10 Downing Street.

“First of all I would like to inform the British public that Her Majesty the Queen has invited me to form a government; I have accepted this great honour and avowed my integrity, diligence and loyalty both to the crown and the flag. My government will serve her, and will serve you, in a manner befitting this United Kingdom of ours, and I will endeavor with all my energy to justify the confidence you have all placed in me today.

“Now that I have been elected, it is time to put in practice the promises of our manifesto and I intend to live up to the slogan, ‘A pride that dares’. We will be ambitious for our country – this Government will aspire to give everyone the chance to make the most of their lives. We will govern on behalf of the British people, we will work for the people who make up the backbone of our country: people who work hard; save to buy their first home; take responsibility for their families. People who do the right thing should be rewarded, not punished.

“Only Conservatives can truly claim to be the party of opportunity; choice; ownership and responsibility. Socialists like to keep people under the government's authority. Conservatives want to give them independence. We also want to put government at your service, giving you what you've paid for - good public services, responsible to you. I do not believe the answer to every problem is simply for government to dig deeper in your pocket. I believe it often lies in changing the way government works; in making it respond to you. Government should look outwards. It should listen. It should put you in the know, not keep you in the dark.

“One of the priorities of my government is economic recovery, and we intend to reverse the policies of my predecessor that have stunted the potential of the country in this area. We shall cut income tax at all levels to reward hard work, responsibility and success; tackle the poverty trap; encourage saving and the wider ownership of property; simplify taxes - like VAT; and reduce tax bureaucracy. It is especially important to cut the absurdly high marginal rates of tax both at the bottom and top of the income scale. It must pay a man or woman significantly more to be in, rather than out of; work. I will also instruct the incoming Chancellor to study the feasibility of a flat tax system. A lightly-taxed economy generates more economic growth, and more revenue. Higher tax rates do not always bring in more money. In the long term, they bring in less because they stifle enterprise.

“The creation of new jobs depends to a great extent on the success of smaller businesses. They have been especially hard hit in the last decade. Our cuts in direct and capital taxation, the simplification of VAT and our general economic and industrial relations policies are the key to their future. We want to do more to encourage the wider distribution of wealth throughout society, and sustaining not just a home-owning but a capital owning democracy is crucial to our vision for the future. We intend to spread the ownership of shares, homes, pensions and savings. We will do so through privatisations, help for would-be home owners in council tenancies and further encouragement for the spread of personal pensions. The opportunity to own a home and pass it on is one of the most important rights an individual has in a free society. Conservatives will extend that right. It lies at the heart of our philosophy. We want to see wealth and security being passed down from generation to generation. We now need to make it easier for those council tenants living in high-cost areas or on low incomes to move gradually into home ownership, without taking on too heavy a financial burden at any one time. This will bring the benefits of home ownership within the reach of more people and introduce more diversity in local authority estates. We shall also undertake a thorough review of the enforcement procedures of Customs and Excise and the Inland Revenue, and introduce an easier regime for small firms in respect of company law and the disclosure of their affairs.

“It is my belief that Inheritance Tax is particularly inequitable. It falls only on those who do not dispose of their assets before their death. It is inevitably the case that these tend to be people who are not rich enough to engage in high-powered tax planning, or who, for lack of knowledge or advice, fail to take the necessary precautionary action. In the manifesto, we announced that we would take most family businesses out of Inheritance Tax by raising the threshold. During the new Parliament, we will aim to altogether abolish the Death Tax as soon as fiscally possible.

“The United Kingdom is far greater than the sum of its parts. Over many centuries its regions have worked, and fought, side by side. Together, we have made a unique mark on history. Together, we hold a special place in international affairs. To break up this sacrosanct Union now would diminish our influence for good in the world, just at the time when it is most needed. The costly devolution process may not intend to bring about separation, but run that risk. They feed, and not resolve, grievances that arise in different parts of Britain. We believe strongly that we should go on working together in full partnership in a Union that has served every part of the United Kingdom well for centuries. The Union has brought us strength both economically and politically; yet it has preserved the historic and cultural diversity of our islands. Our constitution is flexible, fair and tolerant. It has made this country one of the best places in which to live, work and bring up our children. We will oppose all such unnecessary layers of government, and seek to breakdown those that have been created.

“On the international stage, the United Kingdom will continue to safeguard its foreign interests and expand on them. The key to this policy is to maintain well equipped, well trained, well motivated armed forces, which we will use with a balance of willingness and temperance in defence of our interests and allies. We will return to the days of free trade, we will seek to build strong alliances, both in our commitment to NATO, and within the Commonwealth. Our policy towards Europe will be one of accommodation, and hopefully mutual respect, the Holy League should not be treated as an adversary, for Christian morals and values differ negligibly between our land and theirs. I will seek for common ground, and it should be known that unlike Prime Minister Bull, I am willing to go half way across the English Channel, but no further.

“Britain should approach the future with head and spirits high, with a strong economy, with a high standard of living, with endowed and well managed public services, and with secure defences. We want Britain to be an example to the world of how a free people can make the very best of their destiny. That prospect is within the grasp of us all. We must now make it happen. The prize is great, the hope invigorating, the dream attainable. We want, with you, to make the dream a reality. This Conservative Government will help you to achieve the very best. The very best future for Britain.”

The election is recieved in Versailles by waves of ecstasy in the Court.

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, for the first time ever, made a call to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth III to congratulate her on the fine choice of Prime Minister.

Following that, His Most Christian Majesty made a call to Chiffin himself (The first time Louis had ever spoken directly, with expecting an answer, to a non-royal) and praised his deep values.

"Monsieur, although our great lands share many differences in regard to our form of governments and attributes thereof, I maintain our commonalities are so much stronger that it would be folly for us ever to not believe the other to be gentlemen of the highest order, which is apparent to myself."

"I should only be too honored, monsieur, to exchange a full and uninhibited exchange of Ambassidorial staff, with the goal to quickly and beneficently forming ties of friendship and commerce between our two ancient and most excellent realms."

Emperor Zhang sends Chaffin his 'most heartfelt congratulations', and also offers to establish the ties of friendship between the United Kingdom and China.

Within hours of accepting his new job, Prime Minister Chaffin had barely had time to personalise his office, and during a highly important meeting between him, the Chief Whip, his Chief of Staff and his personal private secretary to choose the new cabinet, the cabinet secretary knocked on the door. After informing Chaffin that Louis XX was on the line, the civil servant, not yet knowing his new boss offered to get an interpreter. The Prime Minister shot back a piercing glance, before answering the phone and speaking perfect French to the monarch, In doing so, he was opening up another chapter in the long history his family had with France. From the episode of the 'Old Pretender', through Waterloo, Crimea, Ypres and even Normandy, Chaffins had been involved. In fact, the family itself was originally of Norman descent and arrived with William the Conqueror in 1066. In his conversation he graciously thanked His Majesty for his call, and agreed that relations should be normalised. However, given his predecessor's efforts to encurage the British public to see France as an enemy, he suggested that new relations be established gradually and subtlely.

Meanwhile the national press and media are already calling the government the start of a 'new Conservative ascendancy', while outgoing Prime Minister John Bull, in his concession speech, has declared his intention to serve, at least temporarily as Leader of the Opposition. As the country gets used to a new political climate, the two minor opposition parties, Labour and the Liberals are already jostling for relevance with the Labour Party leader saying that 'BID clearly can no longer represent the values of the British Left' and according to a senior source the Liberal Party is contemplating making a deal with the government, and are willing to offer their parliamentary votes if the Prime Minister considers introducing certain legislation on their agenda. In response to Chaffin's economic pledges the stockmarket has made significant gains after just hours of trading.

The new Prime minisiter receives prompt messages from both the president Donald Livingston and the Prime Minsiter Danso Mambala Offering congratulations and warmest wishes from the people of Strathdonia.
Of course attached to any diplomatic message is the usual shopping list for BAe...

"What? The Tories have won? Conservative democracy...It's working goddamit!"

President Vladimir Putin tossed down the phone, grinning eagerly. He turned on the news, and lo and behold, capitalism and moral values had once again been reforged in the flames of democracy in Great Britain. Immediately, Mr. Putin (who speaks fluent English) was on the phone with the new PM.

"Congratulations, sir! I look forward to the further cooperation between our two nations. British troops currently reside on the Russo-Lavragerian border, to help maintain the Lavragerian peace, and I hope that this change of government will not affect their deployment. May the strength of Russia and Britain's friendship continue in the same fervor and spirit of the days of World War Two."

Publicly, Putin has also praised Bull, calling him "a courageous warrior for democracy."

Russian diplomats have made inquiries into the British stance on the issue of Russia joining NATO...

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I has also personally called PM Chaffin to offer his congratulations and support, saying he hopes Roycelandia and TBF can continue to forge closer relations and trade partnerships.

Meanwhile, His Majesty has also thanked outgoing PM Bull for his tireless work kick-starting TBF's economy, and has offered PM Bull a Villa in the Cayman Islands should he wish to retire somewhere a bit more climatically agreeable than the UK...

TAG

The Empire of China would like to increase relations with TBF. The Chinese military attache and ambassador to London has sent messages of congratulation and cheer to PM Bull.

The Spyran ambassador in London joins the many other diplomats and heads of state, calling the new prime minister to offer congratulations, and to express hope that Britain and Spyr can continue to build on a recent history of economic connections and political dialogue.

At the embassy, there is some minor nervousness over the future of the Lavragerian republic if Britain makes concessions to the Holy League, and questions about the legal status of the French republican and socialist refugees who found safe haven in Britain under the government of PM Bull.

OCC: Check your TGs, TBF. I outlined my purchases...as well as a few 'hot items' that the HDF would be keen on purchasing...although it is unlikely that, for prestige reasons as much as anything else, the Hunters in HAF service will be dumped in the near future.

IC:

Hindustan is sad to see John Bull go, especially considering that England, under the BID party, provided an extremely useful counterweight to France in Europe and readily supplied the HDF with numerous arms systems. (Not to mention it supported Lusaka).

But that's life, and in a democracy you're going to have to deal with changes in public opinion. The Popular Congress just hopes that the standard of living in England will remain the same.

If Bull ever needs a place to stay, Mumbai is open...

But the change in government presents numerous potentially serious problems for Hindustani industry and the HDF. A more conservative administration in England might not take too kindly to Hindustani association with the Lyong nations, Beth Gellert, and numerous progressive elements worldwide. Hopefully, spare parts for Rapier batteries and Scorpion tanks will continue to flow. Also, the HN has expressed interest in perhaps aquiring another two or three Type 42 destroyers (to replace the Delhi and cover losses) and perhaps even some Type 22 frigates.

The Prime Minister has today announced several initial appointments to the Cabinet:

Lord Bambury, a long time friend of the Prime Minister, and widely regarded as one of the most experienced politicans in the Conservative Party, will serve as Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary. Meanwhile Daniel Lee, having served just one term as a Member of Parliament, after leaving his post as a city financier has been appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer; Gerald Barker, widley seen as an up and coming star of the Tory Party, has been made Secretary of State for Defence. The BBC has suggested that these choices show a balance of experience and youth, although none of the appointees can be said to represent the more liberal section of the Conservatives, demonstrating a clear will to implement a traditional right wing agenda.

Inundated with messages from foreign governments, Prime Minister Chaffin has stated that he will begin to take meetings with foreign Ambassadors, at this stage primarily to listen to their concerns and opinions before making any decisions. However, the PM has declared a moritorium on all defence and aerospace equipment exports, including spare parts and software, for the time being. This is a temporary measure until the formation of a special review commission that will scrutinise in detail every transaction of this nature.

The UK elections had been followed extremely closely by the President, both because of the implications it would have on UE-UK relations, but also due to the President's personal interest in British politics, resulting from his education at a British boarding school. In fact he knew of at least three former classmates who were now members of Parliament, all Conservatives, unsuprisingly.

Therefore it was no suprise when, on hearing of the results, the President immediately placed a call to the Prime Minister. In his brief conversation he would personally congratulate Mr. Chaffin, and informed him of his desire for greater co-operation between the two countries. The actions of the British government had been instrumental in UE's success in its early years of Independance from the Ottoman's and UE had repaid that debt in blood during both the first and second world wars. Although Prime Minister Bull had tried to restore the relationship after the rocky post-war and cold war periods, there had never been an ideological connection, that could now exist, provided of course the Tories intended to deliver on their promises.

The Elias Ambassador to the Court of St. James, Muzahim Hussein also made an appointment to meet the Prime Minister at his earliest convenience, and offers to host a cocktail party at the lavish Embassy in Belgrave Square for all MPs, of all political persuasions of course, with the intention of inviting Ambassadors from other countries as well. The Foreign Affairs Ministry gave a generous entertaining budget for its overseas missions, and it seemed an ideal time to delve into it.

The kind words of the Elias President are greatly reassuring to the new Prime Minister, when UE can be considered to be one of the UK's primary foriegn policy concerns. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Lord Bambury agree to see the Elias Ambassador in the course of a few days, and also accept the Embassy's offer to host a reception for politicians and diplomats.

In other news, the Prime Minister has now finalised the composition of his Cabinet, and it will hold its first meeting as a whole within the next day or so, and the government's agenda for the first parliamentary session of the new electoral term will be completed. The Prime Minister himself has been extremely busy, but Conservative Party Chairman Lord Beaverbook has reportedly taken meetings with Liberal Leader Peter Earl, apparently to negotiate a deal between the two parties to co-operate to minimise socialist influence in the House of Commons on the government's legislative plans.

The first bill expected to be put forward for voting, is an economic stimulus package which will immediately cut the very high unemployment benefit given during the last government, slash the top rate of income tax back down to previous levels of 40p in the £ as well as allowing for a parliamentary commission on privitisation to be formed. Although still a rumour, it has been suggested that puntive high tarriffs imposed on all French goods, which have pracitcally negated all trade relations between the two countries, will be significantly reduced or even abolished.

Chaffins' suspension of arms exports has the HDF command quite alarmed for a while, and Hindustan Aeronautics looks into tooling itself for production of major components for the Rapier and Starstreak, possibly even entire launchers, should English firms become unusable. The deal with Bull's government for a significant amount of Tornados has already been cast aside, and Hindustani diplomats have approached Argentina on the subject of purchasing its Type 42 destroyers so the currently less-than-cooperative MoD can be circumnavigated.

Of course, it probably would not be easy for Britain to leave old Hindustan on its own. After all, many Hindustanis still believe that the British owe them something for all those years under colonial rule, and whether or not English companies are currently supplying, a very large chunk of the Hindustani Defense Forces is equipped with British equipment.

The news of planned friendly overtures towards France is especially worrying, considering that the powerful Royal Navy was the only real counter to France in Europe. With a less hostile England, it is believed that Louis XX might very well make attacks on many of France's old colonies.

In Beth Gellert, the Soviet Commune has begun to make quite public noises about its intention to increase the defence packages and co-operation ventures it offers to its northern neighbour, apparently hoping to take advantage of the new British government's hesitation.

Many pundits have said, however, that the move may just as well be an attempt to frighten the new government into fast-tracking the process of re-approving Hindustan for arms exports rather than risk losing hundreds of millions of pounds worth of export earnings and losing a potential ally in the influential left-leaning world. Either way, it is generally not in the Commonwealth's interests to see Hindustan militarily weak, especially not in times of rampant imperial expansion on the part of the reactionary juntas of the world.

The newly installed Foreign Secretary Lord Bambury quickly agrees to a meeting with the Hindustani Ambassador. He will reassure him that the suspension of arms exports is a temporary 'housekeeping measure', and is necessary at least until the government has produced its first White Paper on Defence. This is because, invariably, the government will change some of Bull's procurement policies which will obviously change what will be up for sale. In other words the MoD cannot sell off anything more for the time being, just in case the PM decides he wants to keep it in service. However, Bambury will also say that the UK values its partnership with the sub-continent and will be very keen to sell Tornados and Type 42s in the very near future, after these key decisions have been taken. The suspension is also necessary as some of the protocols of defence exports will also have to be changed, given the PM's intention to privatise the defence industries that were nationalised under Bull, thus explaining why the supplies of spares are also affected.

With regards to France, the Secretary will try and persuade the Hindustani Ambassador that the best way for the UK to have an influence on French foreign policy is as a partner not an adversary. He will make it clear that Prime Minister Chaffin has no intention of conceding to France's agenda, but believes strongly that the incentive of again trading with Britain will mean that France will be willing to make compromises, and the UK will have strong leverage to prevent any radical actions by Louis XX. Of course though, Britain itself must have incentive to urge restraint of His Most Christian Majesty, and it is at this point that Bambury will start subtely expressing his tempered but nonetheless unfavourable views towards Beth Gellert and perhaps remark on the very 'cosy' relationship between Hindustan and BG.

The Russian Ambassador to the UK has quietly inquired within the British government on the possibility of Britain supporting a possible Russian entrance into NATO and the WEC.

In the kindest manner possible, the Hindustani ambassador, on the subject of Beth Gellert, remarks that, when it comes to empires, England doesn't have much grounds for protest. After all, its not as though Beth Gellert came to England and took it over. (OCC: I don't know if BG was imperialized, but Hindustan was). Perhaps the best course of action to take in the Franco-Igovian war would be one of neutrality. Hindustan has already made Beth Gellert aware of its concerns about fighting in New Caledonia, namely that during high intensity conflict a large proportion of the island's small number of inhabitants would be killed. If you're going to liberate a place, you should probably not kill the people who live there. And while it is not doubted that Bedgellen intentions are good and their cause worthy, even accidents like overshot bombs or missile debris could cause atrocious losses among the islands' inhabitants.

But the Ambassador communicates the Hindustani belief that there are much bigger fish to fry than New Caledonia. The choice to produce spare parts for such important systems domestically is also explained as a course of action driven by the very real possibility that Hindustani trade to and from Europe could be disrupted in the near future...although in such a case defense would not be so big a priority as dealing with the millions put out of work.

(It may not matter, but I'm too drunk to care, so I'll say that BG was subject to Franco-British imperialism, yes, which lead to the creation of the Principality under Llewellyn. Thatcher's election really tore it for the Beddgelen people, and the revolution started:) During the Falklands conflict, come to think of it.)

The Hindustani Ambassador will be assured that the UK intends to remain neutral for the time being in the New Caledonian crisis. However, Lord Bambury will also state that he would like to see Hindustan playing the same role for BG as Britian could for France, using influence as a friend and neighbour to press for moderation. The UK's foreign policy will inevitably become less freindly towards hardline socialist regimes, but will maintain its reputation for sensibility and rationality. Having controlled one of the largest Empires of all time, Britain, unlike France, really has nothing to prove in this respect, and even more importantly, nothing to gain from such ventures.

With the greatest fanfare, His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX ordered the Chunnel re-opened for the first time since the Restoration...the first train that arrived in England would bear assortments of luxury gifts, including champagne and truffels.

The French intended to openly display they had no angst towards PM Bull or England, only the former stood in the way of cordiality.

The Kingdom of France had a very full plate right now, and did not need any excess. Therefore it was with great relief that Versailles was able to deal with the British again now as equals...if not yet full friends.

M. de Vergennes, Minister of State to Louis XX, was most eager to go to London, a fact he disclosed in a unprecedented BBC interview. Likewise, Versailles longed to hear the urbane, light, and all together delightful conversation of the British Court and nobility, it seemed the stage was set for a full diplomatic exchange.

Prime Minister Jesse Obed of Quinntonia phones to express his happiness over the new PM of UK. He aks if there would be any time for a visit to Washington for a summit meeting to discuss Quinntonain-TBF relations. It is hinted at that PM OBed is a little concerned over the renewed overtures towards BG and Hindustan.

WWJD
Amen.

The Hindustani Ambassador will be assured that the UK intends to remain neutral for the time being in the New Caledonian crisis. However, Lord Bambury will also state that he would like to see Hindustan playing the same role for BG as Britian could for France, using influence as a friend and neighbour to press for moderation. The UK's foreign policy will inevitably become less freindly towards hardline socialist regimes, but will maintain its reputation for sensibility and rationality. Having controlled one of the largest Empires of all time, Britain, unlike France, really has nothing to prove in this respect, and even more importantly, nothing to gain from such ventures.

The Hindustani ambassador replies that the Bedgellen operations against imperialism can hardly be opposed on moral grounds at least. Hindustan has seen its fair share of it and is thoroughly disenchanted with the idea, and England can't possibly defend its position if it were to condone French adventures in Algeria. This parisitism on the part of France cannot be tolerated and must be stopped before there is a major war over it, or so goes the government line.

Hindustan has already tried to temper Bedgellen zeal, but to little success. After all, Beth Gellert is, for obvious reasons, Hindustan's number one associate. While the HDF has been getting larger as of late, there is only so much that can be done within the limits of practicality for a state like Hindustan. Beth Gellert protects the Indian subcontinent, and nobody can pretend to ignore that fact. Hindustan and BG might have their ups and downs, but at the end of the day its the Igovians who keep the wolves at bay. And although Hindustani foreign policy operates largely independent of Igovian pressure, any diplomatic relationship with Mumbai has to take into account this considerable dependancy on Bedgellen military might.

But the ambassador says that Hindustan will keep trying to resolve the New Caledonia crisis before it blows up. It is quite likely, as has been stated by the Popular and Regional congresses on numerous occasions, that a large, possibly overwhelming proportion of the islands' populace could meet their deaths in the event of a large scale ground engagement. The ambassador hopes that the UK will try to convince Elkazor not to resist terribly hard on the islands themselves and let the battle, if it must happen, take place at sea.