UK Home Secretary says Immigrants 'should try to feel British'

BBC News ^ | December 9, 2001 | BBC Home Service

[mikrofon]

David Blunkett: Sense of belonging essential

UK Home Secretary David Blunkett has urged people from ethnic minorities to develop what he calls a "sense of belonging" in Britain.

In a newspaper interview, he says racism is often deep-seated and must be confronted, but immigrants who settle here must do their bit to ensure that future generations grow up "feeling British".

[mikrofon]

'Happened to be browsing the radio dial, and heard this article from the BBC mentioned on the local NPR channel. Typically, the station wouldn't get more than a passing ear, but it was intriguing to hear the perspective from Britain on a topic which rings close to home here. FWIW ...

[11th Earl of Mar]

If you are on a subway and "try to feel British," expect her to slap you.

[RightOnline]

The Honorable Mr. Blunkett is dead-on right. He's clearly stating that "if you come to our country and wish to stay, contribute, and prosper, then by God learn to live as we do". Sound advice........for any immigrant.

[RichInOC]

Exactly. I saw this and thought, "I'd love to feel British. Where's Elizabeth Hurley?"

(Somewhere, Groucho Marx is smiling.)

[quebecois]

390 AD: Caesar's Advisors state that barbarians entering the Empire "should try to feel Roman".

410 AD: Visgoths under barbarian King Alaric sack Rome, with the aid of numerous barbarians who formerly served in the Imperial Legions...many reports of raping and looting are heard.

476 AD: Barbarians, now making up the majority of the Western Roman Empire's population, formally overthrow Caesar and establish their own, new form of government.