When the overall country (
Britain) is used to spread the dissapointment or a
failure of an individual region (Scotland/
Ireland/Wales/but normally England). When regions pick and choose their Britishness to suit them.
When Henman loses a tennis match, it's a sad day for "
Britain", not "England", and when Murray wins a match, it's a good day for "
Britain" not "Scotland". Perhaps I'm biased (being a scot) but it
always seems that way. Selective Britishness! Hah!