I don't know where these imaginary foreigners are, complaining that they don't like Christmas decorations. As far as I can see, decorations are bloody everywhere from mid-October onwards. I don't see many shops, councils or others worrying that decorations might be offensive. I am tempted to complain that I don't like them.
No city council has responsibility for issuing driving licences. And under DVLA regulations, an applicant's face cannot be part-covered in a driving licence photo (details here).
There is an ongoing problem with immigration arrangements in the UK. The size of the influx of migrant workers following the EU expansion in 2000 was underestimated. Resources have not been allocated properly. For a long time there have been insufficient arrangements for the deportation of people whose asylum or residency applications have failed. Entry controls probably need changing.
But immigration is a big and complex area. This sort of fact-free, illogical, xenophobic hyperbole is not a useful contribution to the debate.
If you want some details, the Office for National Statistics report on immigration and border control for 2008 is here.
PS for the record, I am a Londoner and British (son of two nations in the Union). I don't believe in God. I don't have a job or my own house, but I do not blame brown people or people who have a funny accent. The person who wrote the email below does not speak for me.
PPS Please don't forward to everyone you know.
ENGLAND I think this really sums it all up.
After hearing that many cities did not want to offend other cultures by putting up Xmas lights, so DIDN'T!
After learning that the British Red Cross shops were instructed not to display Christmas decorations lest they cause offence. (A move which cost them my support thereafter.)
After hearing that the Birmingham council changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her driver's licence with her face covered. You try it!
After hearing of a Primary School in Birmingham where a boy was told that for PE they could wear Football League shirts (Aston Villa, Birmingham, West Brom etc) but NOT an England shirt as it could offend others !
This prompted the editorial below written by a UK citizen
and published in a British newspaper.
IMMIGRANTS. NOT BRITONS MUST ADAPT.
Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on London, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Brits.
However, the dust from the attacks has barely settled and the 'politically correct' crowd begin complaining about the possibility that our patriotism is offending others.
I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Britain. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.
This idea of England being a multicultural centre for community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Britons, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of wars, struggles, trials and victories fought by the untold masses of men and women who lay down their lives and of the millions of men and women who have sought freedom.
We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!
If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.. If St. George's cross offends you, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.
We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this.
But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our National Motto, or Our Way of Life, I encourage you take advantage of one other great British freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.
We didn't force you to come here. If you don't like it GO HOME!!
You asked to be here.. So accept the country that accepted YOU. Pretty easy really, when you think about it..
If we all keep passing this to our friends (and enemies) it will also, sooner or later get back to the complainers, lets all try, please.
No matter how many times you receive it... please forward it to all you know
