Paul Riley wrote: We have exactly the same problem as I'm sure you're aware Don't worry about us: England has left since 1904 the place of hereditary enemy it owned for 7 centuries (except during 6 Nations tournament :-D ) Paul Riley wrote: Really? It wouldn't happen here, whatever the nationality It's harder (it should be) for us to be so nationalistic, because our country is made of population mixing since its gallic beginning, and our culture is quiet good to integrate people from different origin. The problem is often that the descendants of immigrate population may be more racist than the ones who disparage their parents or grand-parents ! Paul Riley wrote: I strongly object to there is that people have actually been jailed for refusing to sell in metric Dura lex, sed lex...It's true it's a little bit harsh to jail someone for this, but being part of European union UK has to respect the rules. Forcing tradesmen to use metric system is perhaps the solution for the next generations to use it easily. It's always hard to change references, we have seen that with the disparition of our national currency for the Euro. A lot of people (and not only older ones) here still make the conversion Franc/Euro for every price their ear, even if the conversion isn't easy (the factor is 6.55957). It's stupid, 'cause Franc doesn't and won't exist anymore, but people are generally to lazy to force themselve to change their practice. Paul Riley wrote: I was quite impressed by the speech announcing the closure the other week It's like closing hospitals to stop a disease. The closure won't change anything, on the contrary, it's just a political annoucement. The center was first opened because illegal immigrants wandered through North towns like tramps, waiting an occasion to cross the channel. Now the center closed, illegal immigrant will spread through the country as before, with less control and more delinquency. There are already evidences than clandestine organisations now use the Rouen and Cherboug harbors. Paul Riley wrote: Not ONE European country came and said "How can we help?" Every single one said "Stupid British farmers, shut down the borders." It was also a good occasion to do some protectionism... Food quality is here a very, very important matter. Everything in this area is very sensitive and very emotional. The fact than England continued to