Power to the Queen!

For the first time in its history BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour has drawn up a power list of 100 women in Britain.  The list addressed who are the movers and shakers who shape the way we live today? Which women have the greatest impact on British politics, society, culture and the economy?

And The Queen topped the list. 

What is the secret of her power?

Soft power
"The kind of power she wields is soft – as opposed to hard. Her Majesty’s power is more about influence – a discreet nod of the head, a polite word in the ear of a Prime Minister at their weekly meeting, or a strategic patronage of a cause being overlooked by the Government – is how she can indirectly effect our world without us even knowing."

Her Olympic turn
“Can you imagine any other head of state agreeing to play a part in an Olympic opening ceremony where they meet ‘James Bond’ at home and then allow a stunt double to make it look as if they had parachuted into the stadium? What confidence in democracy and your position you must have to do that. And it didn’t backfire,” muses Eve Pollard (who chaired the panel of judges).

Age = experience = power
"Age and power are linked and I am happy this is reflected in the list [the average age of those in the power list is 53]. Age and experience are so important. These women in this list aren’t just powerful; they are role models too.”  Dame Jenni Murray, co-presenter of Woman’s Hour.

Her Majesty’s ‘glow’
Most people who have met the Queen talk about this incredible aura she has, which draws you in and how she instantly commands respect. 

Permanence is power
Frank Prochaska, who has written several royal history books, cites that a major reason why the Queen will always and should always trump other women on a power list is because of her permanence.  Unlike other European monarchs she will not abdicate.  And unlike others she can not be sacked.

Silence is golden
But how does the Queen keep her power? The secret is in her silence. She keeps it by saying nothing. If you say nothing, according to Prochaska, you rarely offend anyone.  The minute a monarch, or any of the royals say anything remotely political or opinionated, they alienate people and they lose some power.

Read the complete Power List here.

What do you think? Should the Queen have won? And if not, who would you put in her place as the most powerful woman in Britain today?

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/9862997/Is-the-Queen-the-most-powerful-woman-in-Britain.html

Big Society

The 'Big Society' was the flagship policy idea of the 2010 UK Conservative Party general election manifesto. It now forms part of the legislative programme of the Conservative – Liberal Democrat Coalition Agreement. The stated aim is to create a climate that empowers local people and communities, building a 'Big Society' that will take power away from politicians and give it to people.  While some have responded to the policy favourably, its aims have been queried and disputed by other commentators.

 The stated priorities are:

1) Give communities more powers (localism and devolution)
2) Encourage people to take an active role in their communities (volunteerism)
3) Transfer power from central to local government
4) Support co-ops, mutuals, charities and social enterprises
5) Publish government data (open/transparent government)

For those who are studying at OISE Oxford for long periods of time, it is great idea to get more involved in the local community - to experience the 'Big Society'!  And volunteering is a very easy option for this to happen.  Becoming a volunteer is a fantastic way to meet new people, develop new skills, gain experience and a great way to practice English.

5% of Oxford's population volunteer at least 1 hour per week, which is higher than the national average of 4.7%. Given the current population of Oxford, which is approximately 150,000 people, 5% equates to around 7500 people.  

You can find out about volunteering opportunities in Oxford from the Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) website and Do-It website.

Just do-it!

London's black cabs survive

The black cab is an iconic feature on London's roads.  It has been on the capital's roads for 54 years.

And today, is a good news day for the survival of this classic car as the Chinese firm Geely saves London taxi cab maker Manganese Bronze.

The Coventry based black taxi manufacturer LTI has been sold to the Chinese car maker Geely for £11.4m.

Daniel Li, chairman of Geely's UK arm said the group intended to develop greener taxi models as well as ones "to be exported around the world."

He also confirmed all 400 taxis that were recalled in October over faults with the steering box have since been fixed and are back in use.

"We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of MBH's business and we are determined to restore the fortunes of this totemic marque which is known, recognised and admired all around the world," said Li Shufu, group chairman at Geely.

The deal was welcomed by Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London.

He said: 'I am delighted that Geely has successfully secured the future of the London Taxi Company, ensuring the continuing manufacture of a world famous, fully accessible and instantly recognisable vehicle synonymous with London.'

What a relief that this great icon will continue to be a feature on our capital's streets!

Sources: The Telegraph, BBC News Online, Daily Mail

  

Do you know enough about Britain?

A new version of the UK citizenship test, with a greater focus on history, has been recently announced by the Home Office.

The test will have more questions on British culture, history and traditions. The Life in the UK handbook, described by the Home Office as “essential reading” for migrants sitting the new test, has been updated.

Out go politically correct sections on how to complain about being arrested and “mundane information about water meters”, and in come “the events and people who have helped make Britain a great place to live”, ministers said.

While some historical information was included in the old handbook, there was less focus on history, the Home Office argues.

Christopher McGovern, director of the History Curriculum Association, reflects that the old test was too focused on access to welfare provision, such as free prescriptions, free legal advice, free healthcare and free training opportunities.  Whereas the new focus on the identity, history and culture of Britain, will help migrants to integrate more successfully, he believes.

Similarly historian Andrew Roberts believes it will help people appreciate "the long and splendid history of Britain".

But Iain Aitch, author of We're British, Innit!, says while learning about history may be useful, it would be more relevant to learn what rhubarb or mushy peas are, as well as pub etiquette - like the custom of ordering a round of drinks in a bar.

"Britishness is something that comes with time. You learn to queue, not complain about your poor lunch and to be able to talk about the weather at length without saying much at all. Some things are nuanced and not really testable," adds Aitch.

Applicants for British citizenship will be expected to answer 75% of 24 questions correctly, based on material in the new guide.

Test yourself here.