How Britain became a laughing stock in the eyes of America: When I arrived in New York 20 years ago, writes TOM LEONARD, the UK was considered a bastion of sanity… now they pity us. And THIS is why

The article argues that Britain, once seen by many Americans as a stable and sensible country, is increasingly portrayed in US debate as being in decline. It presents a benefits fraud case highlighted by the Wall Street Journal as an example of concerns about the UK’s welfare system, and says criticism now spans US political divisions.

The article says critics also point to Britain’s weak economy, restrictions on free speech, underfunded armed forces and difficulties managing small-boat crossings and immigration. It reports that 33-year-old Catherine Wieland claimed about £700 a month in disability benefits while travelling and attending social events; after being convicted of fraud, she received a suspended sentence and was ordered to repay £23,662. The text adds that 4.7 million working-age people in Britain claim sickness or disability benefits.