It certainly shouldn't be viewed as a "bloody criminal background check" as if it's troublesome to you. If you have reason to view it as such, to me that's a good indication that you have something to hide.

It is troublesome because UK citizens are required to RETURN home for it, that is why it is a bloody pain in the arse. US Citizens can get one through their embassy, much like a brit passport, we must return home. So it is an inconvenience. And no I have nothing to hide except a spent shoplifting conviction when 15, long since erased into history under the UK laws.