When did Patrick Stewart get his OBE? Not a trick question for Trekkie fans, it just came to mind when Guido reflected on that strange begging email Labour sent out yesterday. With New Labour nowadays anything is possible, so an email from a multi-millionaire based in Los Angeles asking for money for the party is no surprise to Guido.

As an actor whose work stretches from science fiction to Shakespeare, I am often asked why I am Labour. No matter how many times the question is put to me, it always takes me by surprise. I could not imagine being anything else.

He got his OBE in 2001 on Blair’s recommendation after he had donated £120,000 to Labour funds. Guido could not imagine anything else.