IMC and Europe
DFC you do the IMCR an injustice. What BEagle states is absolutely correct. The accessibilty of the IR needs a complete review just the same and is currently hardly impressive.
However your other points with regard to the UK being over restrictive is true, while allowing a common misconception to blame the EU for our own shortcomings and excessive micro-control.
BEagle, why do you say that the failure to agree to ID cards prevents us joining the Schengen Agreement. What other EU countries require ID cards, can you name any? Just the same even when we join the Schengen Agreement our government has stated clearly - we will retain border controls as now. Why, because being an island we can. Much the same logic as why your pet dog licks it B*lls.