2017 in England

Introduction:

2017 was an eventful year for England, with a range of significant events taking place across the country. From political upheaval to sporting success, 2017 was a year that will be remembered for many reasons. In this article, we will explore some of the key events that took place in England in 2017.

Brexit Negotiations:

The year 2017 was dominated by Brexit negotiations, which began in earnest following the triggering of Article 50 in March of that year. Throughout the year, the negotiations between the EU and the UK were closely watched by people across the country, as the future relationship between the two entities was being decided.

There were many twists and turns in the negotiations, with progress sometimes seeming slow, and at other times appearing to be moving quickly. One of the key sticking points was the issue of the Northern Ireland border, which threatened to derail the entire process.

Ultimately, a deal was reached in December of 2017, which set the terms for the UK's departure from the EU. This deal paved the way for the UK to leave the EU in January of 2020, after a period of transition.

Terrorist Attacks:

2017 was also marked by several terrorist attacks in England, which shook the country and left many people feeling vulnerable. The most significant of these attacks was the bombing at Manchester Arena in May, in which 22 people were killed and many more were injured.

Other attacks included a van attack on London Bridge in June, which left eight people dead, and a bombing in Parsons Green tube station in September, which injured 30 people.

These attacks were met with widespread condemnation from across the country, and there was a renewed focus on counter-terrorism measures in the wake of the attacks. The emergency services were praised for their quick response to the incidents, and there was a strong sense of solidarity among the people of England in the face of the attacks.

Grenfell Tower Fire:

Another tragic event that took place in 2017 was the Grenfell Tower fire, which occurred on June 14. The fire, which started in a fourth-floor apartment, quickly spread throughout the building, which was home to hundreds of people.

The fire claimed the lives of 72 people, making it one of the deadliest fires in modern British history. The incident sparked a public inquiry into the fire, which aimed to identify the causes of the disaster and make recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future.

The inquiry has been ongoing since 2017, and has heard from hundreds of witnesses and experts. The tragedy has highlighted the issue of social housing in England, and the need for better safety measures in buildings across the country.

General Election:

In June of 2017, a snap general election was called by then-Prime Minister Theresa May. The election was called in an effort to strengthen the Conservative Party's majority in Parliament, but the result was a surprise to many.

The election resulted in a hung Parliament, with no party winning an overall majority. The Conservative Party won the most seats, but fell short of the 326 seats needed for a majority. The Labour Party, led by Jeremy Corbyn, performed better than expected, winning 262 seats.

The result of the election led to a period of uncertainty, with the Conservative Party forming a minority government with the support of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). The election also highlighted the growing support for the Labour Party, particularly among young people.

• 12 January
  • Anthony King, 82, professor and political scientist.[1]
  • Graham Taylor, 72, football manager (Watford, Aston Villa, England).[2]

• 2017 in Northern Ireland
• 2017 in Scotland
• 2017 in Wales