Oh the coppers in the UK gave up catching villians long ago. 'Elf and safety. They don't persue miscreants in case the little dear trips over and grazes his knee. Then the full weight of 'elf and safety and 'uman rights comes into play. Forget about them chasing the toerag who's just pinched your shiny bright new motorbike, because he won't be wearing a helmet and the little mis-understood sweetie might possibly fall off and sue you, the police, the council and the highways agency.

Somewhere back in this thread is an account of the experience I had last summer with the rozzers. The one where I was threatened with arrest because I was going to take a photo of the troglodytes who were throwing bricks at my wifes head. How very dare I stand up for myself.

Drive down the street at 31 MPH in a 30 MPH zone though and you will get a ticket and 3 penalty points on your licence. Do you smoke? Well if you do, don't you dare light up in a pub. If you do you will be fined, on the spot. And don't think you can get away with discarding your fag 'cos if you do you will be fined for littering, on the spot.

Fancy taking the neighbours kids to the local baths? Oh no you don't. You need to be 'processed' to make sure your not a pedo, 'cos let's face it, they're everywhere. If you do not comply, you will be fined and possibly imprisoned. Never mind then, we won't go to the baths, we'll stay at home and bake some cakes. Oh no you don't. If you do you will need to undergo government training, costs hundreds of pounds but if you do not obey, you will be fined for being an illegal childminder.

Still all is not lost. You can employ an illegal immigrant and get away with it. But only if your a member of the government. If you're not, then you will be fined and possibly sent to gaol.

New Labour. New Britain.