It's all in the name of keeping out terrorists, so what's the big deal?
"British citizenship test taps culture" Associated Press, January 29, 2013
LONDON — The British government has revised its guide for immigrants and for the test taken by those seeking to become British citizens.
While the previous version — created under the former Labor government — included some practical questions about daily life, the emphasis is now firmly on British history and culture. There are questions on sports, music, and historical figures from William Shakespeare to Winston Churchill.
The Conservative-led government said Monday that the new handbook also includes ‘‘an exploration of Britons’ unique sense of humor and satire,’’ and an explanation of aspects of cultural life, including the national love of gardening, the novels of Jane Austen, the Monty Python comedy troupe, and the musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Mark Harper, the immigration minister, said the book ‘‘focuses on values and principles at the heart of being British.’’ But Don Flynn, director of the Migrants’ Rights Network, likened it to a private school entry exam, ‘‘which requires complete identification with elite views of British history and culture.’’
We call it public ejewkhazion over here.
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Related: UK vows tougher immigration rules
"EU, Britain tussle over benefits" by ANDREW HIGGINS and STEPHEN CASTLE | New York Times Syndicate, May 31, 2013
BRUSSELS — In a move certain to stoke British frustrations with the European Union, the 27-nation bloc’s executive arm is taking Britain to court over restrictions on who can receive social security benefits.
The European Commission, announcing its decision Thursday, took issue with Britain’s tight criteria for residency benefits, which has denied child support and other benefits to “potentially tens of thousands” of foreign nationals.
The British government promised to contest the case before the European Court of Justice. The case is unlikely to be heard for many months, but if the court rules against Britain, the country will have to amend its rules or face large fines.
The British standard for benefits, called “right to reside,” has been challenged in its own courts for years. The dispute with the commission has been brewing since 2010, and the decision to initiate court action is likely to stir the growing debate in Britain over its relationship with the 27-nation union....
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Also see: Blair warns against Britain leaving EU
Phony Tony Bliar the liar should be before the bar at the Hague.
