Careful examination of the photographic evidence reveals that it is the manicured finger of Ms Flint that is holding this morning’s Cabinet briefing* for public viewing. She should be charged under Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act 1989 for failing “to take such care to prevent its unauthorised disclosure as a person in his/[her] position may reasonably be expected to take.”

The final sentence visible concludes, in bold type, that most importantly: “… it is vital that we show that at this time of uncertainty we show that we are on people’s side”. You see that is the thing with New Labour politicians, what they care most about is covering their arse. Not that they would think to introduce an emergency growth package as Bush has done in the U.S., or cut taxes to boost growth like they have elsewhere in Europe. No, the most important thing is that they push their disingenuous spin slogan that they are “on people’s side”. That should do it…