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Story:
After a Decade, Blair Hands British Premiership to Brown, 06/27/07
Reading Comprehension Questions: 1. Why did Gordon Brown not need to win a popular vote from the British people? 2. How did Blair and Brown form their political alliance? 3. Why did Blair lose support of the British people? 4. What is Brown's policy towards the Iraq war? 5. Will Brown continue a close alliance with President Bush? 6. What did Brown do as Blair's former economic minister? 7. What changes may Brown try to make to the National Heath Service? Discussion Activity (more research might be needed): 1. Why might the British people be skeptical of Brown as he assumes the premiership? Would an election have helped the transition? 2. Do you believe Brown should remove British troops from Iraq? What are some potential pros and cons for Brown if he decides to stop fighting the Iraq war? 3. Why has the Conservative party leader David Cameron said this election-less transition violates political protocol? Typically, how is a British prime minister chosen? 4. Research Blair's career as prime minister. What did he accomplish during his ten years in office? What problems did he encounter? What do you think his legacy will be? Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site. |