Rapid u-turning is the new fashion in government

1. November 2007: Government minister Admiral Lord West says he isn’t convinced that the 28 day limit on detention without trial needs increasing. He talks to Gordon Brown. And lo, within hours of the original story, he changes his mind.

2. April 2008: Government minister Gerry Sutcliffe questions the Government’s policy on alcohol duties. Senior Government sources apply pressure. And lo, within hours of the original story, he changes his mind.

3. April 2008: Angela Smith is going to resign her Government post. She talks to Gordon Brown. And lo, within hours of the original story, she changes her mind.