Hilary Benn is the Secretary of State at DEFRA (the ministry for farm subsidies) where it is a source of continuing annoyance to the British meat industry that he is a vegetarian (worse still in Guido’s view, he doesn’t drink alcohol). This has ruined many photo-ops when the minister at agricultural shows has politely declined to sample offers of British produce.

An angry farmer has contacted Guido about the appointment of Jim Fitzpatrick as minister for food, farming and the environment.  Fitzpatrick, a former fire fighter, lists his interests as “anti-poverty, regeneration, anti-racism and fire… West Ham United FC, golf, reading, TV/films and Millwall RFC.” He tells his constituents that: “I am here to promote the East End of London” Hardly the best qualifications for his new rural job. Even worse, the government’s contempt for the countryside is shown once again, by the appointment of yet another vegetarian to DEFRA, who told parliament “the bacon butty would not be for me”. That will please British pig farmers…