It was Brown who said "British jobs for British workers" at the labour conference so he will in this incidence be given credit for the phrase.

RB - I know Thatcherite regulations penalise unions for taking strike action and this hampers processes and progress. But does that excuse contradicting the union? Only perhaps as a final straw. I don't know what discussions have been taking place, if any.

I believe the reason behind the first unsanctioned strike is as much due to panic over the current financial crisis. Tata cleaning house at Corus Steel did not help matters. Workers everywhere are sweating bullets (myself included).

But I still think it better to fight against unfairness through the proper channels. If the channels are corrupt then vote the people in who can will clean them up. In the interim, large numbers of people should write to their local and central government representatives demanding changes to the laws and regulations. I know that is not going to happen but it still needs to be said, whether it is realistic or not.

An angry mob (especially one focussed against foreign workers) does not help the situation. Whether or not it is good to polarise the voting public at this stage remains to be seen.

That is just my pollyannish take. If I weren't an idealist, I would probably have topped myself long ago. I may yet... just take a nose dive from the top of Essex county hall like that bloke who was restructured out of a job, this time last year.

Nah! I couldn't give em the satisfaction.