How to Promote the UK - Badly

The other day the media in the UK made a fuss about how Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were launching a promotion for the UK in Europe.

How did they start this promotion?  Not by showcasing our products for one.

The tour started with them driving around Berlin in a Mini.  Not the original Mini, manufactured for many years in the UK but in a modern Mini made by that well known manufacturer BMW (I seem to recall they are German).

To add insult to injury, whilst the Mini is presently made in the UK, BMW are planning to move more production to Europe, leaving Oxford simply as the spiritual home of the Mini.

Being the spiritual home of the Mini does nothing for our economy, but promoting it will doubtless help BMW and hence Germany as the home of BMW and also the countries making the Mini, presently Austria produces some models and there will be new production in the Netherlands.

Some will apparently remain in Oxford but I doubt that will last long and the UK will get sidelined as a minor parts supplier soon.

If we are promoting the UK, can we at least do it with a true British product please!

Jeremy Clarkson on The One Show

It has to be said that Mr Clarkson knows how to upset people.  I know he is normally controversial but this time he has really offended people.

The comment on last night's show about shooting strikers could be considered harsh but is only an opionion.

However I feel we cannot accept his remarks about being delayed in his journey when a person has been hit by a train.  If it was suicide then someone has clearly been in a very bad place in their mind.  Whether suicide or accident there are still those left behind to feel for.

At the time of writing I understand that the BBC has issued an apology but I think Jeremy Clarkson should make a very visible public apology.