Very well put, Brian. Race is not a biological classification. In terms of what I was trying to get across this is exactly it. The British are a true 'race' in these terms - ie a political and social construction. I wish I had thought of putting it that way earlier and saved a lot of discussion!

As Mr Cook himself put it - "a gathering of countless different 'races'" I think he is mixing the meanings of race and biological or perhaps geographic background. Do you think we can drop a note to his spin doctors and point out the error of their ways?

Cheers

DtG