Downing Street hoist with its own petition
Celebrity culture and the UK government’s e-mpty e-stunts: read Mick Hume’s columns in The Times (London) this week.

Want to read spiked ad-free? Become a spiked supporter.
Friday 20 April:
‘A petition demanding free travel for mice has been barred from the Downing Street e-petitions website, on the ground that it fell “outside the remit or powers of the Prime Minister”. Ridiculous idea, isn’t it? Whoever heard of Tony Blair admitting that anything could be beyond his reach…?’
Wednesday 18 April:
‘Gordon Brown exhibited his famous sense of comic timing at the weekend, announcing that Britain has lost interest in celebrity culture and people who are “famous for being famous” — just as the news was monopolised by a prince and ex-girlfriend answering to that description….’
This is what we're up against...
A media ecosystem dominated by a handful of billionaire owners, bad actors spreading disinformation online and the rich and powerful trying to stop us publishing stories. But we have you on our side. Supporters help to fund our journalism and those who choose All-access digital enjoy exclusive extras:
- Unlimited articles in our app and ad-free reading on all devices
- Exclusive newsletter and far fewer asks for support
- Full access to the Guardian Feast app
If you can, please support us on a monthly basis and make a big impact in support of open, independent journalism. Thank you.
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Only spiked supporters and patrons, who donate regularly to us, can comment on our articles.