Also, the British have done an amazing job (unconsciously I assume) for a hundred years or more of presenting to the world a captivating image of Britain, the British, British culture etc etc.
I am always amazed (and rather touched) when speaking to people all over the world who have no intention or need to be 'economic immigrants' into this country (often living very comfortably in very nice places) how often they say they would love to visit or indeed live here.
It's not an eye on our benefits system or NHS - Malaysia for example has a very nice standard of living and health care - it's a starry eyed love for the place based on notions of I don't know what; football, basil fawlty, the royal family, british fair play, music, shakespeare who knows?
People all over the world just seem to believe it's a great place to be.
Let's just hope they don't all try and come here.
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