The UK isn't run by the politicians. They are ephemeral but the establishment remains constant. The only armed people in the UK are the Military, which is run by the children of the establishment, Landed Gentry and their staff, such as game keepers.
The population is kept suppressed using alcohol - very strong drinking culture, and shite reality TV.
Real power is still the Royal family. The charade is that they rule by consent but they have played a very clever game since the French revolution - every time social unrest raises its head, small concessions are given to the people: all men given the vote, women given the vote, etc.
They almost screwed up with the assassination of Diana but they turned it round before big problems occured. Charles is fucked so they have shifted the positive media and optics towards William and his family.
It it a coincidence the Harry announced his engagement, round about the time 'The Storm' really kicked off? There are not coincidences.