Britain's welfare state is much less developed than those of, say, Norway, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark... which are very successful societies. So I wouldn't blame welfare.
My impression (having lived in London for 6 years) is that Britain's society is kind of broken (although I believe this is much more accute in London than in the rest of the country). The fabric of society is not strong, individualism and the dog eat dog culture is present in many layers of society. Kids don't play with each other (I heard they're not even allowed to be out alone by law, but I'm not sure). Many people are not well integrated in society, at least in London. Hooliganism is rampant on weekend nights, it's like many people go out simply to get pissed and get in a fight. Seriously, if you take night buses in London you'll have plenty of anecdotes to tell people in this respect.
I'm not hating on the UK. It is one of the best countries in some aspects and I have enjoyed my time here immensely (leaving soon). I've met wonderful people. But socially, compared to what I've seen in mainland Europe, it is broken. And I don't think it is because of welfare.
No troll is too much for me to handle. I rehabilitate trolls, I train people. I am the Troll Whisperer.
