At least we're still world leaders in some respects

Shame it happens to be for violent crime.

Once upon a time - not so long ago as it happens - we led the world in technology, innovation and enterprise. Our science was the most respected in the world; our police the envy of all and our parliament the model for every self-respecting democracy wannabee.

We're now a bankrupt nation of debtors with nothing to sell except what little remains of the family jewels. Our scientists work towards political ideals rather than empirical evidence; our police now look like a paramilitary force who behave like the sort of thugs we used to sneer at in banana republics and our parliament has become a global joke.

What a difference 50 years of progressive liberalism has made.