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The U.K. is not like Italy

(17 Posts)
Whitewavemark2 Sun 17-May-26 11:40:02

The observer has a good editorial today.

It began suggesting that Italy has become our exemplar when it comes to shuffling PMs and the un seriousness of it all. All very depressing.

But then it goes on to argue that like Italy the U.K. is better than its politics, and this is where it cheered me up.
OK we don’t have Venice, Ferrari or sunshine, but we have music that the world loves story tellers that capture the world , and I would argue the performing arts that are second to none.
The pantheon that is Stonehenge, and in fact others even older., which speaks of an extraordinary concentration of endeavour and ingenuity that has been repeated throughout the intervening centuries to today. At least a dozen of the worlds best universities who produce some of the finest minds, science and technology not to mention the Arts and literature. A creative industry with a head start throughout the world because we speak English.
London remains one of the global financial centres and we have the rule of law - so valued by business the world over, to the extent that US business and wealthy Americans have been promoted to build lives and businesses in the U.K. because of the lunacy that is Trump where the rule of law means nothing.

We have a world beating pharma industry rivalling the USA

Food in our capital that rivals if not surpasses Rome.

That cheered me up.

AGAA4 Sun 17-May-26 11:50:50

Where our politicians certainly need improve and do the job they've been given and stop all the changing of PMs I do get tired of people putting our country down. For all the reasons "Whitewave* mentions above and more we should be proud to be British.

GrannyGravy13 Sun 17-May-26 11:57:30

I agree, I adore the U.K., particularly London.

The theatres and restaurants in London are exemplary, the museums, Tower of London, art galleries.

Parks and gardens which put on summer concerts, plays and food events.

Edinburgh has much to offer, as does Cardiff.

Our Architecture is amazing, time to celebrate instead of complaining.

The moors, the lakes and our coastline are varied and unique. I do love a pier I am 10 minutes (traffic allowing) from the longest pier in the world, I also love Southwold’s quirky pier.

I have lived abroad, and travelled all over the world but I am always so pleased and comforted when the plane/ship/train arrives back.

They say home is where the heart is, and mine is firmly planted in England.

Allira Sun 17-May-26 12:11:44

I agree with Whitewave and GrannyGravy

The UK may bid for the Olympics in 20240, although I doubt I will be here to see that.

Although we have so much to offer, what we do need to do is to Clean up Britain. Our lovely country is turning into a rubbish tip and it is truly depressing; I don't know who these people are who flytip and dump litter everywhere but they have no pride.
When we have found the culprits, perhaps they should be made to Clean up Britain, sort out the filth and make our lovely country a green and pleasant land again.

Allira Sun 17-May-26 12:12:49

20240

Definitely won't be around then!! 2040!

nanna8 Sun 17-May-26 12:15:17

The UK is a wonderful country with a long and fascinating history. It has many very beautiful, in fact stunning, areas. Mostly the people are also welcoming and open minded. I won’t get into the politicians except to say you deserve better.

Ilovecheese Sun 17-May-26 12:35:58

Our country does indeed have so much to offer. Which is why I don't believe that all the billianaires will leave if we ask them to pay more tax.

petra Sun 17-May-26 12:38:33

Here’s a list of all the inventions we have given the world starting in the 14th century.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_innovations_and_discoveries

Doodledog Sun 17-May-26 12:47:12

Ilovecheese

Our country does indeed have so much to offer. Which is why I don't believe that all the billianaires will leave if we ask them to pay more tax.

Nor do I. In the unlikely event that I became a billionaire I would be delighted to share it around, and would enjoy making the best of life in the UK.

keepingquiet Sun 17-May-26 12:57:33

It fits the far-right agenda to make out we're having a terrible time here in the UK. Crime rife in London, sharia law governing everything we do, knife crime, young people running rampant, you wouldn't believe some of the stuff put out on line that causes mass anxiety and near hysteria.

Meanwhile we can just get on with our orderly lives and be grateful we don't live in this imaginary hell-hole.

Casdon Sun 17-May-26 13:00:00

Both the UK and Italy are wonderful places to live and to visit, I’d have been a lot more exercised about a comparison between the UK with almost anywhere else. One difference is that Italians don’t seem to constantly complain about everything in their country, whereas Brits are serial moaners.

Galaxy Sun 17-May-26 13:03:49

Er for the last few years we have been told that this country is responsible for every ill in the world, we have been told that institutions were institutionally racist, etc etc. It wasn't the 'far right' who started this.

Norah Sun 17-May-26 13:12:04

Casdon One difference is that Italians don’t seem to constantly complain about everything in their country, whereas Brits are serial moaners.

I agree. Italians love everything Italian.

Arts, style, cities, mountains, beaches, magnificent food.

twaddle Sun 17-May-26 13:14:44

Galaxy

Er for the last few years we have been told that this country is responsible for every ill in the world, we have been told that institutions were institutionally racist, etc etc. It wasn't the 'far right' who started this.

Oh ssssshhhhh! I was thoroughly enjoying the positivity of this thread. I was wondering if we could start a GN initiative to repatriate British nationalism from flag-waving "patriots". Don't start a blame game.

JaneJudge Sun 17-May-26 13:21:33

There are some beautiful villages, towns, cities outside of London - rich in arts and culture too (and with amazing food)

Galaxy Sun 17-May-26 13:23:57

Shush yourself grin

Aveline Sun 17-May-26 13:25:05

Our Royal family count for something too. The pomp and celebrations around them are a major attraction and cause for civic pride.