Nelson would have him flogged.

By johnofgwent

My, how times have changed. I remember the days when a tourist "dissing" the greek or turkish flag while on holiday in those "interesting" lands could expect an up-close-and-personal tour of the local jail, to give them the sort of understanding of why their citizens are so much more law abiding that can ONLY be obtained through sharing the experience of what happens to those who aren't. And God only knows what would have happened to anyone taking the piss out of the chinese flag.

But what's this? At the signing of a treaty between the chinese and ourselves, presided over by none other than The Prince of Darkness himself ? With the man who has stood and watched our country flushed down the toilet during his time at number ten providing useful service as a bookend in the background? Well, check it out for yourself in close-up.

The union flag on the table decoration is upside down. An international distress signal. Not that we needed any help working out it was time to send one, with these jokers in charge. But there was a time when this act would be punished just like the greeks, turks, or - and god help you if you were on the end of such an accusation -the saudis would. But these days we're a laughing stock presided over by a bunch of jokers who don't - or can't be arsed to - give a toss.

Nelson would have Mandy flogged for allowing this disgrace. Certainly his Foreign Office contacts would have made it clear that such incompetence, making us a laughing stock in front of our former enemies, would warrant dishonourable discharge, if not the tower.

But I'm not so sure it would be fitting in this case. I have a sneaking feeling Mandy and his Brazilian Boyfriend might rather enyoy it.