myownprivateidaho, that's bollocks, and fairly offensive, tbh.
I have dual Australian and British citizenship, and have lived in both countries.
I am also what you'd probably class as a 'leftie intellectual'. (Lawyer with a Masters level education.)
I have seen no significant difference in the racism and sexism between Australia and the U.K.
If anything, the impact of social problems like racism, poverty, and inequality is lessened here, because we simply don't have the pressure on resources, due to a much smaller population. Life in the UK felt like a frantic scramble compared to life in Australia. (Disclaimer: I did live in London.)
Like everything, there are pluses and minuses. Yes, you have to pay to see the doctor, unless you are a very low income earner. It might be anything from $25 up, depending on the length of the appointment. However, I can see any GP I want. I can usually see my own GP within a couple of days, or same-day if urgent. If not, I can ring around and see someone else. I have never experienced the dramas over seeing a GP that I read about on mumsnet.
This is just one example. They are very different countries, and there are positives and negatives of both.
In the OP's position, I would never deny my children the chance to live in another country - almost any other country (presuming somewhere safe). It's an incredible opportunity.
You regret the chances you don't take, more than the ones you do take. 