Far more important issues abound such as Posh Spice's baby and the fact that all seems to be well at last between uncouth Oasis yobbo Noel Gallagher and his pregnant model wife. Renovations at Liz Hurley's 1-million London home are now into their second year and a war of words has erupted between owners and builders, with Hugh Grant moving out in frustration at the slow progress. Believe it or not, these are major news items for the majority of Brits, who evidently find it difficult to focus on more complex issues. Having visited the UK at least once every year for the past 18 years, I have to say that the gradual process of dumbing down the nation has worked remarkably well. Conspiracy theorists argue that this is all part of a master plan.
Politicians can get away with much more if they have a compliant and ignorant electorate.
Feed the people with junk food, junk music, junk television and junk newspapers and you will eventually produce a content and unquestioning nation of morons. Consider the influence that sports such as football have on ordinary people's lives. The paradox of hordes of hideously unhealthy oafs watching superbly fit sportsmen score goals every weekend seems to be lost on the Brits. Britain has become a nation of couch potatoes. A recent survey found that they now come first in the league table for the unenviable title of Europe's fattest slobs.