Multiculturalism is just brilliant

I've ranted about Britishness a couple of times recently - lots of people read it but not many commented. Paul Flynn, MP for Newport, gives a brilliant example:

Today I visited a new 'Welsh Crescent' centre for education in the Koran, Islamic studies, Urdu, Arabic and Bengali. It is situated next door to a Polish/Russian food shop whose owner is from Azerbaijan. On the opposite side of the road is a large Irish Club next door to a Mosque. Further own the street is South Wales biggest Afro Caribbean Club. In London, I lived in area of Portuguese tapas bars and a pub named Vasco da Gama. Groups cluster in national groups. The speakers of 38 languages are happily living side by side in Newport mainly in the Pillgwenlly area.

Now this may be some people's idea of hell but I think it's rather wonderful. The simple answer is: if you invade most of the world, wreck their development and empty their mines, they'll want to follow the money, and you owe them in a big way, so shut up.

You'll also love reading Flynn's account of one of his Tory opponents ('How to Pick a Tory') - it's completely hilarious.

Next Hill North

is a site dedicated to exploring social issues such as community cohesion, notions of multiculturalism and diversity and will provide insights, research and training to those on the frontline of local politics, social provision and governance. Their first report, by Mike Waite and supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, examines the perceived crisis in multiculturalism, and proposes ways to recuperate harmonious, diverse local societies, and is an important intervention in the debate about how we regenerate communities split by discord and suspicion.