Does Britain suck?

[monktus]

You don't have to lecture me on the differences MrTAToad, I'm well aware of them. My point was that you appeared to use England interchangeably with Britain, which is incorrect of course, however I didn't realise you meant England specifically, apologies.

Out of interest, what do you mean exactly by Blair preferring to help other countries and not England?

[MrTAToad]

You don't have to lecture me on the differences MrTAToad, I'm well aware of them

Good to hear Many people seem to get the terms confused, for some reason. Mind you, it could get even more confusing if the Cornish people decided to seperate from the Union. They would probably start slapping on extra taxes for cream teas...

however I didn't realise you meant England specifically, apologies

No problem - I only really know what he does here, and not north or west of the borders

By helping other countries, I mean Africa and other third-world countries. Whilst money should be given, it could do with being cut, and used here (the UK, that is) - replacing council houses, rejuvenating areas, improving road and rail, NHS etc etc. Charity should begin at home.

[monktus]

I liked your cream teas comment. I don't agree with you on cutting aid though. After all, most of the problems in Africa were caused by Britain and other former colonialist countries. If anything we should be cancelling more debt, doing more trade and giving more aid, however if we didn't have to pay for the likes of Trident and Iraq, then the government would have more money to spend on things like more social housing (which we badly need).

[MrTAToad]

Yes, cancelling all debt would help - and something that should be persude. However, only small loans should allowed to be borrowed, unless proper economic measures are taken to stop corruption.

Whilst we may have started problems there, we cant be responsible for their current state.

[sgould]

If you count the Cornish as foreign, then I've already emigrated! In fact I was born "overseas"

Well, over the Tamar anyway....

My wife was born in Aden, and is only entitled to a British passport by reason of her parents being British.

[Rhisiart]

British political and geographical nomenclature has always been confusing (for Brits as well as outsiders).

Great Britain = England, Scotland and Wales

United Kingdom = Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Great Britain is the geographical and political name for the island lying north of France and east of Ireland. The island has never officially been called ‘England’, although people around the world seem to think it is.

England is the largest political unit within the UK. It has 80% of the British population and is also the home of the British parliament.

Tony Blair is the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (or UK for short). He is not the Prime Minister of England, as no such post exists (nor is there such a thing as an English passport).

The English Parliament, established by Simon de Montfort in the 13th Century, was dissolved in 1707 and a new Great Britain parliament was formed following the union between England and Scotland (Wales had already been annexed by England).

The Scots and Welsh have an unfortunate habit of criticising and berating the English, but when faced with the option of independence from the UK they get very frightened and hang onto England’s mother strings for dear life.

I think Monktus will know what I mean. It must be very frustrating for a Scot to want independence for his country when his fellow compatriots lack the courage to make it happen.

Incidentally, the current social problems in Britain are by no means unique to England. Scotland and Wales have their share of deprivation and crime too.

[Ferdinand]

The reason people call the UK "England" is because it's the biggest part. Like you would say: "Were you ever in England?, it's such a great country!", but then you would also say: "I was in Scotland, a small country". Even though they're not countries you still call them countries. Dunno why though... But that GB doesnt include Northern Ireland the UK does, is new to me.

[Rhisiart]

Originally Posted by Ferdinand

..even though they're not countries you still call them countries. Dunno why though...

Yes, it is a conundrum. When someone in our local pub refers to this country, I never know whether they mean Wales or Great Britain. A bit confusing really.

Originally Posted by Ferdinand

But that GB doesn't include Northern Ireland the UK does, is new to me.

See my passport.