Meh. I really don't get the kaffuffle. There may be one or two ejits pointing fingers in this general direction, but unless I'm mistaken none of them are in office. And it's hardly surprising. Were the tables turned and a largely (if not wholely, or technically) American company behind an ecological disaster at our shores we'd probably be burning American flags and shouting anti-US slogans at every opportunity. It's a none issue, with tempers raised by the populist press and bumbling politicians.

That said, I'd be chuffed to see Anglo-American relations cool a tad, and our government pluck up the balls to break with past policy of clinging so tightly to Washington's skirts. This, however, is not a good reason to do so. A desire to pursue an independent foreign policy? A good reason. Anger at their even handedness (how dare they!) in a heated diplomatic exchange re: our territorial claims? Yeah, I'd go with that. Some important fellow in a monochrome mansion making use of an unofficial yet appropriate name? That, I'm afraid, is just pathetic.