Lots of things have brought down governments in the past – never, to the best of my knowledge, squirrels.
OK this is unlikely, but the thorny subject of grey squirrels is increasingly becoming a party political issue.
Penrith and Borders Conservative MP David Maclean has tabled an early day motion setting out his concerns about the increasing number of grey squirrels – blamed for the downfall of the red.
He also reckons a select committee inquiry is needed, claiming Government policy is in disarray.
He’s advocating killing greys, claiming the DEFRA-sponsored project investigating the possibility of containing the population of greys by giving them contraceptive pills is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“But this Government doesn’t want to kill a single species. It wants everything to co-exist but you can’t have reds and greys together," says Mr Maclean.
“The red squirrel is a wonderful part of our indigenous ecology. People worry about polar bears but we are watching the extermination of one of the cutest, cuddliest creatures. The grey squirrel is advancing at a rate of a couple of miles a year.”
I reckon I might introduce Mr Maclean to my friend Robert, whose solution would probably involve either eating them or electrocuting them. Sounds like the two of them would get on!
Just this morning, I thought: I'd send this over to Field Day, but Mr. Relf has proudly put the squirrel bit behind him.
Colo(u)r me foolish!
Thanks Steve - made me laugh!