National Treasure

Raise a glass to Diane Abbott, who by all accounts sat through the whole of this evening's near-riotous meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party, writing out her Christmas cards.

When you are Diane Abbott, then you can do just whatever the hell you like. And she does.

Still, a black voice, perhaps especially of that generation, might have been welcome against ageing Student Grants who were now demanding Police shoot-to-kill.

A proper old trade union official, perhaps especially an ex-miner, might also have set them well and truly right.

That was undeniably a long time ago, even though the arguments would still be valid.

But more such powers for the Police today? What Police today? Special Forces, indeed! What about that Special Force?