header-logo header-logo

Pass the guacamole, Peter

12 March 2009 / Jennifer James
Issue: 7360 / Categories: Opinion , Public , Environment , Community care
printer mail-detail

The law works in mysterious ways, says Jennifer James

The Insider was amused this week (along with most of the nation) to observe the public discomfiture visited upon Peter Mandelson when a Green activist liberally doused him in dyed custard.

The young lady responsible was an activist for Plane Stupid and was apparently incensed that Mandy should turn up for a meeting on CO2 emissions in his ministerial 4.2-litre Jaguar. As an expression of free speech goes, it misfired somewhat, since almost all the coverage I have seen was of the Beano standard of journalism: “Har har look at this oik covered in green goo,” about sums it up. Schoolboy humour one, the environment nil.

There were several references to guacamole as well: for those of you not in the know this is not merely because the green-dyed custard resembles said avocado dip, but is a dig at Mandy based upon what may or may not be an urban myth regarding his champagne socialist credentials. Allegedly, in his local constituency

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Carey Olsen—Kim Paiva

Carey Olsen—Kim Paiva

Group partner joins Guernsey banking and finance practice

Morgan Lewis—Kat Gibson

Morgan Lewis—Kat Gibson

London labour and employment team announces partner hire

Foot Anstey McKees—Chris Milligan & Michael Kelly

Foot Anstey McKees—Chris Milligan & Michael Kelly

Double partner appointment marks Belfast expansion

NEWS
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has not done enough to protect the future sustainability of the legal aid market, MPs have warned
Writing in NLJ this week, NLJ columnist Dominic Regan surveys a landscape marked by leapfrog appeals, costs skirmishes and notable retirements. With an appeal in Mazur due to be heard next month, Regan notes that uncertainties remain over who will intervene, and hopes for the involvement of the Lady Chief Justice and the Master of the Rolls in deciding the all-important outcome
After the Southport murders and the misinformation that followed, contempt of court law has come under intense scrutiny. In this week's NLJ, Lawrence McNamara and Lauren Schaefer of the Law Commission unpack proposals aimed at restoring clarity without sacrificing fair trial rights
The latest Home Office figures confirm that stop and search remains both controversial and diminished. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Parpworth of De Montfort University analyses data showing historically low use of s 1 PACE powers, with drugs searches dominating what remains
Boris Johnson’s 2019 attempt to shut down Parliament remains a constitutional cautionary tale. The move, framed as a routine exercise of the royal prerogative, was in truth an extraordinary effort to sideline Parliament at the height of the Brexit crisis. Writing in NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC dissects how prorogation was wrongly assumed to be beyond judicial scrutiny, only for the Supreme Court to intervene unanimously
back-to-top-scroll