Slight error: The Skripal case occurred in 2018, not 2008. This is a really brief item, just the tip of the iceberg. I forgot to mention the infamous Balfour Declaration, where the British created the conditions for the horrific Israeli exploitation of Palestinians in 1917. There are examples too numerous to mention about this topic, but at least it will shed some light on this unfortunate situation.
It’s not clear how the people in the British Isles will go beyond this legacy, but at least the term “Perfidious Albion” will become part of the discussion. You can’t solve a problem until you first identify it.
How 'Merry Ole' England Got the Nickname 'Perfidious Albion'