Ok,Ok, something in the defense of the FAA.
The form you will get to fill out at the FSDO is an 8710 (airmen application)
You can find one here:
http://forms.faa.gov/forms/faa8710-1...rch=%228710%22
You need to fill it out without help, that is how they test the "read speak and understand" the English language requirements.
Read the instructions and it is not a problem.
For Social Security number fill in "none" for country "United Kingdom".
Easy enough. Your height will need to be in inches and your weight in lbs.
You don't need a US medical since what they give you will be based on a foreign license and a valid foreign medical.
You will need a "flight review" (proficiency check) with a US instructor before you can fly as PIC.