header-logo header-logo

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

Pass the guacamole, Peter

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

NLJ Career Profile: Stephen Ward, The Barrister Group

NLJ Career Profile: Stephen Ward, The Barrister Group

From mowing lawns to life at the Bar: Stephen Ward reflects on an unconventional career

Clarke Willmott—Ben Loosemore

Clarke Willmott—Ben Loosemore

Commercial property partner joins Clarke Willmott in Southampton

Ellisons—Robert Tiffen

Ellisons—Robert Tiffen

Robert Tiffen joins Ellisons as Partner in growing Norwich office

NEWS
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners

Jonathan Fisher KC highlights that it now accounts for around 40% of criminal offences, with roughly 70% involving technology, and argues that the UK cannot simply prosecute its way out of the problem. Detection, investigation and prosecution all require improvement, while different fraud types demand tailored responses.

back-to-top-scroll