* It would appear from news reports that the Palestinians have been sent some examples of 'Brit Art' to view at the Bethlehem Peace Centre. In fact due to a lack of insurance cover the 'Art' has been constructed at the centre according to instructions supplied by 'British' artists. This consisted of coloured dots painted within a grid, eggs thrown against a wall, paint dripping down a wall and other sophisticated ideas too subtle to describe in words alone. One wonders what the Palestinians will make of these bold statements. No doubt they will receive reassurance that they do not stand alone in their suffering.

* It also appears that despite appeals to cease the 'Anthony must go' furore a (supposed) Blair loyalist ex-minister Charles Clarke has had a freebie dinner from a reporter and, over the wine, expressed negative opinions about the chancellor Gordan Brown. Mr Clarke, who resembles a garden gnome, pitched in with a spirited suggestion that Mr Brown has psychological problems. We are not informed what these
problems may be although it is widely rumoured that he has a neurotic compulsion to avoid stepping on cracks in the pavement and uncontrollable bouts of grinning. This latter complaint has resulted in much unwarranted criticism.

* The real wonder of Mr Clarke is his ability to keep his trousers up despite an enormous beer belly. One is drawn to the conclusion that they must be stapled to his flesh at the back.