How is the UK globally connected? (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Geography B): Revision Note

Specification links

The notes on this page cover part 1.3.2 of the WJEC Eduqas B specification – What are the global processes that connect countries at different levels of development, including the UK?

• An overview of how the UK is connected to other countries by the processes of globalisation.

The UK's global connection

Political links

• During the days of the British Empire, the UK was a major influence in world affairs

• British political, economic, social and cultural influences have dramatically shaped many countries it ruled in the past

• The UK continues to play an active role in international organisations, including:

  • United Nations (UN)

  • NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)

  • G7 and G20 economic groups

• These memberships allow the UK to influence global decision-making on trade, security, and the environment

• The UK is also a signatory to the Paris Climate Agreement, working with countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote green technology (UNFCCC, 2023 (opens in a new tab))

• The UK is also part of intelligence-sharing alliances like the 'Five Eyes' with the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and defence partnerships like AUKUS

Economic integration

• The UK is one of the world’s most globalised economies and a founding member of global trade organisations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (IMF, 2024 (opens in a new tab))

• The UK trades goods and services with over 200 countries

  • Major exports include machinery, cars, financial services, and pharmaceuticals

  • Main trading partners are the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and China (ONS, 2024 (opens in a new tab))

• The UK imports consumer goods and raw materials from Asia, Africa, and Europe, showing strong interdependence between economies

• London acts as a global financial hub, home to international banks and stock exchanges that connect investors worldwide

Foreign direct investment (FDI)

• The UK attracts billions of pounds of FDI each year due to its skilled workforce, stable government, and strong transport links

• Major investors include the United States, India, Japan, and Germany (Department for Business and Trade, 2024 (opens in a new tab))

• Example: Tata Motors’ investment in Jaguar Land Rover (2008) safeguarded 30,000 jobs and boosted exports

• UK companies also invest overseas — e.g. BP in the USA and Unilever in Asia and Africa — spreading British expertise and generating income from abroad

Technological and communication links

• The UK is a global leader in digital and communication networks

  • Home to major tech companies and data hubs such as Google UK, Amazon Web Services, and BT Global Services

  • Part of international projects linking countries via fibre-optic cables and satellite communication

• High-speed internet and mobile connectivity allow UK firms to operate 24/7 across time zones

• Social media and online streaming connect British culture to a global audience instantly

Cultural connections

• British culture influences the world through music, media, sport, and education

  • Global pop acts (e.g. Adele, Ed Sheeran) and TV shows (e.g. Doctor Who, The Crown) reach international audiences

  • The English Premier League is broadcast in more than 200 countries

  • The UK’s universities attract over 680,000 international students each year (Universities UK, 2024 (opens in a new tab))

• At the same time, global culture influences Britain—with food, film, and festivals from around the world shaping UK lifestyles

• This exchange of ideas strengthens global identity while maintaining local traditions

Migration and people flows

• The UK has long been connected to other countries through migration

• Since the 1950s, people from Commonwealth countries such as India, Pakistan, Jamaica, and Nigeria have moved to the UK for work

• In 2004, the EU expansion allowed workers from Eastern Europe (Poland, Lithuania) to migrate to the UK, filling labour shortages

• Today, migration remains two-way — British citizens work and study overseas, while international students and professionals come to the UK

• These flows support multicultural communities, enrich culture, and supply labour to key sectors like healthcare and construction

Transport and infrastructure

• Undersea internet cables connect the UK to the world, enabling global communication, business, and technology

• Advanced transport and digital networks link the UK to the world

  • Major international hubs like London's Heathrow connect the UK to global destinations

  • Key ports like Felixstowe and the Channel Tunnel help move goods and people to Europe

Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)

Background

• Tata Motors, an Indian multinational company, bought Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) from Ford in 2008 for £1.7 billion

• JLR is one of the UK’s leading car manufacturers, producing luxury vehicles such as the Range Rover, Defender, and Jaguar I-Pace

• Major production sites are located in Solihull (West Midlands), Halewood (Merseyside), and Wolverhampton (engine plant), employing around 30,000 people directly (Jaguar Land Rover, 2024 (opens in a new tab))

Job creation and economic growth

• JLR provides 30,000 direct and 200,000 indirect jobs across UK regions, including parts manufacturers, logistics firms, and dealerships (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 2024 (opens in a new tab))

• Employment at JLR provides stable, high-skilled work, especially in engineering, design, and research

Investment in technology and skills

• Tata Motors’ investment has enabled new training and apprenticeship programmes in partnership with UK colleges and universities

• JLR’s Apprenticeship Academy in Coventry trains thousands of young engineers each year in advanced vehicle design and production

• Technology transfer from Tata Motors has helped JLR develop new electric and hybrid models

• These investments strengthen the UK’s STEM sector and maintain its global reputation for automotive innovation (UK Government, 2023)

FDI

• Tata Motors’ purchase of JLR represented one of the largest-ever Indian FDI deals into the UK

• The investment has helped the UK maintain its position as a global automotive hub, particularly during periods of European economic uncertainty (UNCTAD, 2024 (opens in a new tab))

Exports and balance of trade

• JLR is the UK’s largest automotive exporter, selling vehicles to more than 120 countries

• In 2023, over 80% of JLR’s production was exported overseas, helping to reduce the UK’s trade deficit (HM Revenue & Customs, 2024 (opens in a new tab))

Infrastructure and regional regeneration

• JLR’s presence has led to improvements in transport links, industrial estates, and business parks in the West Midlands and North West

• The construction of the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) and Battery Assembly Facility in Coventry has supported regeneration in areas affected by the decline of traditional manufacturing

Research, innovation and sustainability

• JLR invests heavily in electric vehicle (EV) and hydrogen technology research, supporting the UK’s transition to net zero (BBC News, 2024)

• In 2024, the company began converting its Merseyside plant to produce only electric Range Rovers

Tax contributions and national revenue

• The firm’s annual UK tax contributions exceed £1 billion, supporting public services and infrastructure projects (HM Treasury, 2024 (opens in a new tab))

• Local councils also benefit from business rates and community investment projects in education and sustainability

Enhanced global reputation

• Tata’s successful management of JLR shows how foreign investment can strengthen UK industry, enhance the UK’s global reputation and promote positive global relations