I don't usually get ​involved in politics with my clients,
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​and also recommend you avoid issues which can be
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​controversial when dealing with overseas suppliers,
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​customers and ​business partners.  However, if you find
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​yourself in Britain in the near future, you may need some
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​terminology connected to the latest developments there in
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​case your UK contact brings the issue up in Small Talk.
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​Following the General Elections, the ruling
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​Conservative party (also called "The Tories") failed to
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​win an​ overall majority ​(326 of the 650 ​seats in
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​parliament), ​and is unable to form a government by itself,
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​but will need support from other parties in order to govern. .
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​This is known as a ​"hung parliament".
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​Most people know that "Brexit" means Britain leaving (or
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​exiting) Europe. However, you may hear politicians talking
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​about ​​a "Hard Brexit" and a "Soft Brexit". The first one refers
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​to cutting most political and economic ties between the UK
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​and Europe, ​whilst the second term means "leaving"
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​Europe ​but continuing to enjoy the advantages of being
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​"not quite a member."
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​Currently, no one knows exactly ​the​ details ​of either option.
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World politics is becoming very complicated, which is why I
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​try to leave it off my agenda when meeting overseas
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​ business people.
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​Good luck with your business in the UK !​