[War] United Kingdom: "As I mean to go on"

[Michael Brittain]

Apologies for any typo's or grammar errors, I think I've got rid of most of 
them... :-)

PM Patricia Young
United Kingdom
"As I mean to go on"
27th May, 2014
--------------------

[Downing Street]

10 Downing Street, the famous residence of British Prime Ministers past and
present had, as was increasingly common in the first part of this century, a
new resident. Patricia Young, daughter of former Conservative MP for Oxford
South and PPS to former Foreign Secretary Sir Geoffrey Howe in 1987, David
Young, Patricia had been a fierce campaigner for the Conservative Party from
a young age. Without fault, she fitted the more traditional Tory image,
having been educated in law at Jesus College, Cambridge, working as a
barrister for 10 years before entering parliament in the 2001 general
election. A staunch supporter of the Iron Lady's premiership in the
eighties, Ms Young represented a slight shift in the Tory party, returning
tentatively to grassroots conservatism.

The Brandt government had gone a long way in providing stability for the
country after a turbulent few years, managing the economy carefully since
the 2010 recession. Young's role in her ally's government was that of Home
Secretary, responsible for spearheading the governments push against violent
crime and terrorism. She was chosen not only for her ability to appeal to
the party base, but also for her "stiff upper lip", as many of her
supporters would suggest. She was certainly a character in the Home Office,
driven by her responsibilities and principles; she was on a crusade to
fulfil her promises to the electorate as Home Secretary.

Comparisons to the former Iron Lady, Ms Thatcher, are probably unfair to Ms
Young. Although she is strong  willed, determined and as 'hard as nails',
the comparisons must cease there.  Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime
Minister was different to modern times; Young recognised that modern
Britain did not want Thatcherism to return; they wanted a new kind of
politics, but with a similarly strong leader. The hype over her being the
second Tory, female Prime Minister will die eventually, and Ms Young's
own legacy will be carved out.

Nevertheless, not a woman to take to heart what the media portray her as,
Young recognised that her business was to lead and not to perform in front
of cameras.

"Prime Minister," a voice filled a silent office as the large, beautifully
finished wooden doors swept open to reveal the period furnishings.
The PM's office, although equipped to a modern standard, still
contained the beautiful decorations that reminded whoever worked there that
the building had been at the heart of British government for centuries. The
oak panelling and large, antique wooden desk, with floor to ceiling windows
and heavy curtains were immaculately kept. The PM's sitting area to the side
of her desk featured a sofa and coffee table of antique design, themselves
years old. One only had to wonder at the cost of some of the furnishings and
antiques within the address.

Ms Young looked up from her desk where she had been scribbling away to see
the face of a trusted aide and that of the cabinet secretary. "Mr James,"
Patricia smiled, placing her pen down. "Please, come in."

The secretary walked toward the PM, stacks of papers over his arm and a red,
tatty case in his hand. He placed the papers on the sofa before placing the
red case with a leather cover that boasted the governments seal down beside
her desk. The case was tatty, but had been in use for decades; it was
tradition for all government papers to be kept locked away in red boxes,
long before computers had taken over. In most cases, it was symbolic, but
important papers were still carried by these boxes.

"I have the morning papers, and the treasury documents you requested," he
motioned toward the box. "The foreign secretary is also on his way from the
foreign office, the US ambassador has requested a meeting at your earliest
convenience and the cabinet meeting has been arranged for eleven."

"Thank you," she glanced down at her desk. "Mr Taylor I believe is the US
ambassador, and he would be most welcome to join discussions with the
foreign secretary." She looked up at Mr James. "Just after I have spoken to
the foreign secretary myself."

"Out of the frying pan and into the fire," Mr James commented, as he
prepared to leave the PM in peace so she could prepare for her daily
meetings and cabinet.

"Quite," the PM's softly spoken accent shone through. Her mannerisms did all
that her voice did not; a commanding presence. "Not the easiest of first
days for a Prime Minister, but nothing less than I was expecting." She
glanced across at the papers on the sofa. "Thank you for the morning
papers," she did not let on that she had been awake since 4AM working.
"But I would rather read a select few at the end of the day, I have no
dependence for the need to know what the media portray me as."

The two finished their conversation with pleasantries, leaving the PM
to her work.

[Cabinet room, later that morning]

As was convention, Ms Young had called a meeting of cabinet to discuss
government actions. Having previously met with her aides, the US ambassador,
and the foreign secretary earlier in the morning, she wished to address the
cabinet. As was expected, Ms Young had not drastically changed the faces of
the ministers that now sat before her at the cabinet table. She felt no need
to change the direction of the government, albeit she had made a few new
appointments to Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jonathon
Spence and David Purchase respectively. A clever woman, she moved her allies
closer to her, while having the sense to keep party unity. Ms Young had also
felt it necessary, given the severity of international affairs at present,
to leave the Foreign Office untouched.

"Ladies and gentleman," Young began as she glanced at her papers before her.
"Thank you for your attendance at such short notice," she gave a warm
hearted smile. "May I begin with addressing the business at hand, I will
start as I mean to go on in this job."

The PM took a brief pause. "Having spoken at great length with the foreign
secretary and various aides, including Mr Taylor the US ambassador, it is
clear to me that not only do we as a government have a duty to the British
people, but furthermore to those in peril across the world." Her comments
were greeted by a few nods.

"I fully support the efforts of the American and French governments toward
the Iranian threat, and will be contacting their respective Presidents
shortly. I feel that the United Kingdom must play a significant part in
helping to broker peace and stability in the Middle East."

"As such, I will continue to be in full support of Mr Brandt's decision to
commit British forces to the region as a precautionary measure as well as
for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. As I understand it, a Royal Navy
task force is already en route to the disputed region."

She paused. "I will be brief; while I will support the actions of our allies
to resolve the situation, I will only commit British forces into action as a
last resort. Assurances will be made that it is not a decision that will be
made lightly, and one, which will, while in dialogue not only with my
ministers, this cabinet and the house but also with heads of government, be
made to ensure long term peace in the region."

The cabinet looked on as the self-proclaimed "serious" Prime Minister
aligned herself to support the US. This was a woman that could not
easily be fooled, and one, which could not easily be defeated. "I
appreciate that there are numerous other situations that require our
attention this morning, however if the cabinet will remain to hear an
up to date briefing of the situation with Iran I would be very grateful."
The PM's contrast of her serious attitude and determination with her
politeness was well received, not only in her cabinet as is expected,
but also with many voters. She was building her reputation daily.

Ms Young looked across at her foreign secretary, Frances Urquart. "Mr
Urquart if you could summarise what you told me earlier today."

"Of course, Prime Minister," Mr Urquart shuffled the papers before him,
putting on his glasses. "As we are all aware of the developing situation,
Iran is still refusing to back down." He looked up. "Along with considerable
US, French and other EU national armed forces already deployed to the area,
Britain has pledged 8,000 combat troops, air support, and a Royal Navy task
force consisting of the air carrier HMS Prince of Wales..."

The foreign secretary continued to outline the positions of the various
nations with respect to the situation. A discussion ensued, one that
ultimately led to agreement with the PM.

Actions.
1. Contact the heads of government that have committed troops, tell them
that the PM expresses her gratitude and salutes their courage. Tell them
Britain stands firm with them.
2. Inform parliament and the public that the government will not be
intimidated by Iran's actions and that they remain firmly opposed to Iran's
invasion of Azerbaijan.
3. Authorise the deployment of British troops to the region. 



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