To think we’re lucky to be in Britain?

[BooomShakeTheRoom]

• Temperate climate with distinct seasons, all the more important and enjoyable as we see other areas of the world suffer with annual fires, floods, hurricanes etc.
• Basic protection of human rights and freedom. Yes, politically we’re in a strange place globally and nationally (yes, looking at you Reform and Trump voters 😑) but - generally - you can be who you are with minimal risks. That really isn’t the case in many parts of the world still.
• NHS - again, yes it’s stretched and not perfect but it’s still far better provision than most other people have in the world. I have friends and neighbours who have moved back to the UK just for the healthcare.
• Fantastic school system. We have it VERY good compared to many countries. Again, some of my friends have moved back to the UK to access our free school system. I feel very lucky to be able to send my kids.
• Pretty decent benefits and state support system. A LOT of people are housed and fed by the system who would otherwise be destitute.
• World class maternity rights.
• Good life/work balance for most. 35-40hrs per week is a lot less than many other countries expect.
• Beautiful coastlines, national parks, vibrant cities, shops, parks, kids entertainment. Again, lots of communities around the world don’t have all of that accessible.

We hear a lot of doom and gloom, but for me at least, I feel very blessed to have won the postcode lottery to have been born here. Could things be better? Of course, certainly. And life can throw us problems regardless. But it could also be a whole lot worse and I’m really thankful for everything I have access to.

Just wanted to post this as media plays a big role in depressing people and I hope this post prompts people to think about what they do have, rather than what they don’t.

(I appreciate people feel differently, just wanted to see a positive post!)

Two of my children were premature (30wks and 33wks) and both have ongoing health needs - we have an excellent GP and whilst we’ve waited for certain appointments, the care they’ve received has been excellent and they’re thriving healthwise and academically and emotionally. I know this isn’t everyone’s experience but don’t act like everyone gets a poor service as that’s just not true!

Im so grateful to have the NHS and our many dedicated workers. If my children had been born in many other countries around the world, they’d have been dead or we’d have been bankrupt.

This post wasn’t trying to say the UK is the BEST place to live, it’s quite obvious there will be some better places. This was a post to say I feel very lucky to live here and have citizenship.

I agree, I'm an immigrant that if I tried to immigrate now exactly how I did a couple decades ago, I wouldn't have a snowball chance in hell so I feel lucky to have gotten in when I did.

Threads like these remind me of Kate Fox's Watching the English, which includes discussing how open complimentary chat like this without any self-depreciating humour is very uncomfortable and unnatural for many English people, far more than many other parts of the UK and the world.

Totally agree with everything you’ve said!

Fantastic school system. We have it VERY good compared to many countries.

I’m in Sweden and quite happy with basically free nurseries/school/universities and free food. So this made me smile a bit tbh. But I love the UK. I wouldn’t move back though.

I wouldn't leave Scotland.

There’s a lot I like about the UK, but I’m worried about the future. Our infrastructure badly needs more investment - the NHS, social care, education, Police, justice system… and now thanks to Putin (and Trump), it looks as though we’re going to have to spend billions more on defence.

It’s grey yes, but it won’t kill me. It won’t make going outside impossible. It doesn’t require lots of additional effort and resources to access roads.

That already makes the weather fine in my opinion.

Personally I love having seasons, the winter has been long but I love that spring is around the corner. And I love a chilly Christmas. I like rotating my clothes and having change to look forward to! We aren’t all the same but personally I’m happy with our weather.

If you look at any survey measuring quality of life/costs/health care/whatever you won't find the UK anywhere near the top in any of them. Just because you haven't lived in another country OP doesn't mean yours is the best.

I think the main issue with the UK is that we seem to be in decline, things are getting worse and not improving. Scarily so in some ways.

Some of these things are due to worldwide issues but others are very much of our own making.

Am I lucky as a woman to have been born on the UK? Hell yeah, but misogyny and rape seem to be growing significantly in the UK and the safety of women is in decline. We live in worrying times.

You must be forgetting the sunny summer days! I was wearing T-shirts until October this year and was wondering when I’d be able to get out my winter wardrobe!

My kids have summer birthdays and 9/10 it’s sunny with garden parties.

Please let me know where I said it was the best?

Being grateful for something isn’t the same as thinking it’s the best.

I largely agree with this. I think if the NHS can be made functional it will make an enormous difference to public wellbeing.

My friend on benefits (who actually exists) was crying to me last night asking me how she's supposed to afford food with the amount she's given. She had to give up work for health reasons, so she's done nothing to deserve this.

I'm also on benefits (I actually exist too) because I have a disability. I couldn't tell her how to afford food. I can't afford it myself.

So no, I don't feel lucky. I feel hungry.

I should also mention that both of us are on extremely long waiting lists for treatment. My friend has needed an operation for over two years. We're both in constant pain.

There are a lot of foodbanks around, are you not both eligible?

Not everyone lives in the SE of England. The climate really is very different for those living further north or west. We probably also pay more for heating / electric - we often use our tumble dryer all year round.

Saying you feel lucky and blessed implies you believe the UK to be a better (OK, not best) place than many (all?) others. Every available metric says it isn't.

Fuck me, how insensitive can you get??

Yes it really enrages me how people believe it is acceptable for people to live with avoidable pain for years. I hope you and your friend are given proper care soon.

We should be able to afford food. Living on donated tins of random bits isn't sustainable.

Oh dear...

I've heard this nonsense before. I'd like to see someone make a meal out of marrowfat peas and baked beans.

I am glad I live in the UK for most of the same reasons you have posted.

I would like to know about a private ambulance service and private A&E but doubt they exist.

Why is that insensitive? It’s a practical question that could lead to the poster getting some extra advice.