What does Britain do which is the Envy of The World?

Generali

Economically, Politically and Socially that is.

Just wondering what people think.

Having lived in 3 countries including the UK I have perhaps a different view to some posters.

My list would be:

Relatively uncorrupted politics with little pork barrel spending
Football (esp Wembley, old and new)
BBC foreign News Reporting
Honesty in education (generally speaking people are thought to earn their place at University for example rather than because Daddy went there)
Honest police
Chocolate box countryside
Pubs

The NHS and state education aren't on the list for a reason.

To clarify, I'm not talking about what British people like but what foreigners admire about British life, political, economic and social.

ruggedtoast

It depends on the foreigners ime. Americans think we all walk around in bowler hats and have suits of armour adorning our houses.

The Japanese think we're a spent force but are keen on the heritage they can see although theyre concerned about horrible food. Though theyre as likely to go to any other European country to find "Paris of our dreams". They do seem to be quite keen on the "cradle to grave" welfare state theyve heard about. That was probably what I got asked about most. And NHK tends to have a few bbc - nhk collab shows, or commission British ones about this subject.

Its an interesting question, but on the whole while my experience as a Brit travelling has invariably been quite positive, I dont think many people spend a lot of time thinking about Britain. No more than they would anywhere else.

N9eav

Like it or not, we have the best Police force in the world. That does not mean they don't screw up once in a while and you got a speeding ticket once.

ruggedtoast

I dont like it.

amcluesent

>What does Britain do which is the Envy of The World?<

Feather-bedding 'seekers' and islamic terrorists. They are so envious, millions willingly trek all across Asia and Europe to turn up here for their lovely house, NHS treatment, free-schooling, endless benefits,..

lostinrates

Generali wrote: »

Economically, Politically and Socially that is.

Just wondering what people think.

Having lived in 3 countries including the UK I have perhaps a different view to some posters.

My list would be:

Relatively uncorrupted politics with little pork barrel spending
Football (esp Wembley, old and new)
BBC foreign News Reporting
Honesty in education (generally speaking people are thought to earn their place at University for example rather than because Daddy went there)
Honest police
Chocolate box countryside
Pubs

The NHS and state education aren't on the list for a reason.

To clarify, I'm not talking about what British people like but what foreigners admire about British life, political, economic and social.

We also have comparitively high standards in ethics of farming, and research. Honestly, some of the research papers I used to read from comparitive conutries you would simply not be allowed to carry out here because of suffering to research animals.

Our justice system, while flawed, is also often opted for when there is a choice of EU country.

We rival italy for quality of leather products: Walsall is held in high regard for production.

Believe it or not, socially, we are still considered polite. I have European friends who find sayig ''thank you'' in shops delightful! (this was something we used to be better at I think, but some of us still try!)

Freedom of speech, ability to vote freely are common in the west but not to be undervalued IMO and thus should be included.

The Frech, Italians and NYers might be smarter, and more pristine, but London fashion has a creative edge that in my opinion remains unrivalled.

Cucumbers. I really dislike those funky european cucmbers.

Striving for fairness. IMO, its a lost cause- not to be confused with equality, which most certainly is not, but while others resign them selves to it in similar social constructs, we keep plugging away, which I think is quite endearing

lostinrates

London. There are some capitals/leading cities acclaimed: London is just one of them. You kno, its not realy on the architechecture, but partly on the history: mainly its on the services and creativity and diversity foun therein. It deserves a mention as a great British thing...

Aso, diversity itself. We walk a fine line....and we often get it worng, forgetting to celebrate and understand our own culture (morris dancing anyone?) but I love that we have diversity...I'm proud of it, it adds value to my life and experience.. I wish we were a little more promoting of our own culture in the mix, but the mix is of value.

And another: curiosity. We travel well. We have curiosity beyond a lot of other nations and an abilty to praise them (again, often comparing ourselves negatively). Its a long established tradition, of travel, exploraton and curiosity of other cultures.

worried_jim

I would agree with those suggesting the Police. I would also add musical heritage, not just the Beatles/Stones but today British artists are selling millions around the globe and in a variety of styles from Coldplay to Susan Boyle.

lynzpower

All the forigners Ive met when abroad seem to be absolutely overwhelmingly interested inthe RRoyal Family.

They find it shocking ( and I find it slightly embarrassing) that I know little of the royal history I alwso try to avoid telling people I havent been into Buck House despite it being about a 10 min bus ride away. Hate to say it, but I resent having to pay, after all, we've already paid for it once....

izzybusy23

Generali wrote: »

Economically, Politically and Socially that is.

Just wondering what people think.

Having lived in 3 countries including the UK I have perhaps a different view to some posters.

My list would be:

Relatively uncorrupted politics with little pork barrel spending
Football (esp Wembley, old and new)
BBC foreign News Reporting
Honesty in education (generally speaking people are thought to earn their place at University for example rather than because Daddy went there)
Honest police
Chocolate box countryside
Pubs

The NHS and state education aren't on the list for a reason.

To clarify, I'm not talking about what British people like but what foreigners admire about British life, political, economic and social.

Give out benefits to all and sundry far too easily. We are seen as the milk and honey of the benefits system sadly. I can't see any other reason why people would think the UK is anything special. Weather is crap, the roads congested, the british public just plain ignorant and rude.. nobody can enjoy their lives because lives are too stressed; even a trip to the seaside is stressed due to congestion on roads and chavs everywhere, sky high parking charges (thats if you can find a space of course).

I would say the NHS, although far from being fantastic (especially maternity services which are frankly quite shocking) is one thing we should be proud of; I know how much my mum and step dad pay for the medical insurance in the USA and it is horrendous! Oh, and our secure employment as in contracts. My step sister doesn't get paid for holidays, bank holidays or sickness and isn't on a full time contract and hasn't been for years and she works as a pharmacy tech, which I would say is a very important job. The USA is quite bad at treating their employees like !!!!!!... so we are fortunate in the sense that we do get secure employment.

Prudent

Chocolate digestives