Please convince me why I should move back to UK!

[Tanzie]

DH wants to move back. I don't. I moved overseas when I was 21 (nearly 20 years ago) and have no urge to go back to the land of my birth. I'd be happy to stay here or to go back to Eastern Europe, but not back to UK. It doesn't "do it" for me. The lousy schools, NHS, teenage pregnancies, gun crime etc (we would prob be moving back to SE London as we have a house there) put me off. I know this is huge generalisation, but can someone give me some positive reasons to go back. Please!

Sorry I can't do that. I'd jump ship to France in a heartbeat if I got the chance.

Afraid I can't help either..........British born and bred, but 2 1/2yrs abroad before being 'forced' back were enough for me to know that long term I'd love to move back out there.

Although it must be said that the area we're in is lovely, DS1 is just finishing at an excellent nursery, and will be going to an equally excellent school in September, low crime and friendly people.

Tanzie, if SE London can't lure you back, with its classy neighbourhoods, nothing can

Neighbours, I mean. You're offered proximity to the Inferiority Complex and you're turning us down ?

Oh no! Someone must like it there, surely? All those asylum seekers can't be wrong..

And before anyone slates me for that, some members of my family sought asylum in UK. And were very grateful.

Ooh, MI, if you're going to be near me, I might come back. We will be in Lambeth, are you close?

we're not being very helpful are we LOL

QoQ - no, you're not!!

Someone must like the bloody place and be able to sell it to me!

Um. I'm trying really hard here Tanzie. And trying. And trying. And trying.

I myself am further downmarket, in Catford, but many very lovely MNers would be near you.

I rather like London, I'll admit.

Yes, come, I love it here. Is that enough?

I could probably convince you to come back to 'some' part s of the UK - but not to London I'm afraid

can't you sell the house in London and move somewhere else???

Just saying the word 'house' is reason enough to make me consider emigrating quite seriously.

Well I am in Scotland and very happy here! I would move abroad but probably only because of the weather!

I am a sad homebody though and love the city I live in, the people, the places, etc.

A more academic positive? High employment and good economy at the moment??

The fact I am a single mum and still managing to live without a struggle, that I am able to go back to Uni and build a good life for my daughter and I? That may just me though!

stay where you are!!!

ahh Tanzie - dh and I are in exactly the opposite position (I want to go home in a few years, he doesn't)

anyway:

pubs
newspapers
fish and chips (mmm fish and chips)
pork pies
living in place where you understand the culture
PG tips
countryside
....

I don't really know about london, but from where I stand (Spain) the NHS is fantastic - it does suffer a bit from silly targets and patient expectations, but is generally fantastic compared to Spain, which is often described as having "one of the most modern health systems in europe". Also teenage preganancy rates are well down on 20 years ago - they may be higher than most of Europe, but they're not actually much higher (I was reading about this the other day). Primary schools in the UK are great (Spain: 25 3 year olds in sit down lesson with one teacher, no classroom assistant). Some secondaries are a bit crap but you couls always sell up and move back to somewhere else surely?

As it goes I never really wanted to move abroad permanently in the first place, and it's too bleeding hot to do anything here now.

Ok, a challenge (cogs turning)

I'm trying......will think of something in a minute

Why does your husband want to move back?

dry humour
a variety of weather
the north norfolk coast
the telly (some of it anyway)
indian restaurants
thai restaurants (...etc - I think the UK has one of the best selctions of international food in the world - both in supermarkets and in restaurants)
being able to see family without getting on a plane

Mmmm. Senora P, I can be in London in 2 1/2 hours on Eurostar and can go for the day for my fish and chip fix and to stock up on Tetleys.

Health care here is fantastic compared to NHS.
Schools are also good. Standard of living much better.

Yes, I suppose we could sell the sodding house and move out, but one of us (at least) would prob end up commuting. The local school in London is apparently the one Oliver Letwin (who?) said he'd rather beg than send his kids to.

I was on the verge of applying for a job in Russia but DH went ballistic. He really does want to go home, poor lamb.

In your situation, Tanzie, I wouldn't come back. Just my opinion, however.

Think he's homesick. He also says our kids are rootless and have no sense of identity or where they come from.

Senora P, we are right across the North Sea on the other side of the Norfolk coast!

Can get British telly here.