Carbon dioxide emissions caused by UK consumers increased by almost a fifth between 1992 and 2004, research revealed today.

Ever since the 1750s, when the writer, satirist, statesman and inventor Benjamin Franklin put political cartooning on the map by publishing the first cartoon of the genre in America, artists have combined their talent, wit and political beliefs to create cartoons that enrage, enlighten or simply engage the viewer.

When Boris Johnson was elected Mayor of London, I was devastated. Politically, Boris and his chums don't stand for the same things I do, and while Ken could prove to be a bit of an unknown quantity, I admired his principles and his ability to get things done.

There is an area of countryside six miles south-west of Stratford-upon-Avon that is particularly picturesque. It boasts elegant views of the Cotswolds, and fine country lanes that meander around green pastures. Stand still long enough and you can almost hear the sound of "Jerusalem". It could not be more English.