Britain and Her Relationship with Her Former Colonies.

by Zoe Rademacher

“The empire on which the sun never sets”, this phrase, once the proud description for the British empire has since been tainted with a sour note. Following the death of the last true colony (Hong Kong) in 1997, young Britons have gotten into the habit of only seeing one side to colonialism. Though it is important to recognise the crimes committed against native peoples living in colonised areas. It is also important to see the long standing effects that britain has had on its former colonies, and the commonwealth.

To begin with, some Countries which were once colonised by Britain have since become more successful, when compared to their counterparts in the same area. This however is only true for those countries who have chosen to uphold the systems and values the british had set up there, such as in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and America. Two of the most successful regions in Asia were also once colonies, such as Singapore and Hong Kong.

One of the most important civil rights to have been upheld in britain for a number of years is the right to a fair trial. Aside from Singapore all of the aforementioned countries maintain a Jury system, the significance of the Jury system being that it shows a respect of civil rights. The Jury, an English custom since the 12th century has been the backbone of success within these countries. When a state recognises all her citizens as equal within the eyes of the law she can then truly become a Success.

Alternatively, countries who have since won their independence from Britain, and have refused to acknowledge the good with the bad have only held themselves back. Much of the African and Middle Eastern territories, which arguably suffered the most during British rule have taken this path. But for the furtherment of their own countries perhaps forgiveness, and acceptance is the only path forward to becoming more prosperous.  

To conclude, hate can lead us all into ignorance, former colonies may hate Britain, but this only holds them back. When something bad happens to us we may choose to learn from it, we may choose to become better for it or we can let our rage cripple us. It is important to note that when you lose something but do not learn from it,  then you have lost twice.