The UK is one of the worst places to raise children, according to a recent survey. The survey for HSBC Bank was set up to see about the quality of life for children from expatriate families - in other words, families from abroad who come to work in the UK.

It found that Britain scored alongside the United Arab Emirates as the lowest-rated destination for expat infants.

It scored poorly across all criteria including cost and quality of life, according to the Offshore Offspring report, and also ranked as the unhealthiest country to raise a family.

Children in the UK played less sport, ate more junk food, played more computer games and watched more television than elsewhere, it revealed.

India was judged to be the healthiest country with Australia ranked a close second while Spain, France and Germany were ranked as the best locations overall.

Aaron le Cornu, deputy chief executive officer for HSBC Bank International, said: "The UK scored poorly across all categories of children's health, yet these are factors that are under the control of parents.

"Therefore we don't anticipate that our findings will discourage families from moving to the UK."

Others were surprised by the survey's findings.

There are families that find an overseas assignment very difficult but the majority are very happy here.

Eva Stock - American expat, living in the UK.

Eva Stock, a spokesman for Focus - a non-profit organisation that offers advice to expats living in the UK - said she and her colleagues were "stunned".

Ms Stock is an American who came to the UK from Boston 17 years ago, aiming to stay just 12 months.

"The UK has a wide variety of cultural opportunities, it's a good base for visiting other parts of Europe, there are lots of sports and activities on offer and anything you want you can find. "Education is also very good here"

She admitted that London was expensive and that the expats Focus works with do complain about the weather, but stressed that the overall experience for them was generally positive.

Here's what a a Brit living in Canada had to say:

In 2005 we left the UK and headed for Canada. Having been here for 3 years I can honestly say that I will never live in the UK again and am glad my children won't have to either.The UK used to be Great but then successive Governments decided to favour the open door policy that let numerous uneducated, non English speaking people with no money or prospects just set up home there at our expense. Combined with the poor health and education as well as the extortionate cost of living, there was little to keep me to be honest. Canada has its issues the same as anywhere else and I'm not looking at my new life through rose coloured glasses but I can tell you that I feel safe here. I feel welcome and I feel that this is the right environment to raise my Children in. FYI, if you visit Canada just remember Toronto is NOT a true reflection of Canadian life and if you do immigrate, IT'S NOT ENGLAND so don't expect it to be.

Source: http://news.sky.com