BRITISH Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, in a visit to New Zealand, expressed a hope that this country will send troops to join a united fight against the so-called Islamic State.
Our Prime Minister would not commit himself - or our troops - but Mr Hammond's argument was quite strong untilhe said: "Frankly, we've got used to New Zealand being there alongside us, alongside the US, the UK, Australia ... as part of the family."
Mr Hammond is referring to how things used to be, when we were allies fighting a common enemy. That's when we were a big family with ties made strong by ancestry, trade and travel. That was before the UK alienated the Commonwealth countries by giving trade and travel preference to European nationals.
Suddenly, after years of Kiwis being able to live and work in Britain, we were aliens and heavy restrictions were placed on New Zealanders wanting to finance their European travels by working.
If you're over 30, forget it. If you're under 30, you're allowed to work for a limited time to support yourself, but not to finance your travel. In fact, you have to prove - with bank statements - that you don't need to work at all and have the financial ability to live without assistance for the length of your visit.
If you want to work you can, but you're not allowed to advance in that job. You may work part-time during the two years of your visa or work full-time for part of your visa.
The British Foreign Secretary has every right to ask for military assistance against the scourge of the Middle East, but he can cease the condescending claptrap about family until the "mother country" recognises her children again.
