"UK butterflies need good summer"

Truly amazing.

The BBC have published an article, explaining that butterfly enthusiasts are hoping for a warmer, drier summer to help butterflies recover after last year's 'wash-out' .... I know what you're thinking ... how are they going to blame that on global warming? ... well they don't. (Well, not until that crack-whore Jo Abbess has had her way, of course).

They leave that up to 'Biodiversity Minister Joan Ruddock' who would appear to be superbly unqualified for the job, even by Nulabour standards:

"Butterflies are a vital element of the British summer (1). Their numbers indicate whether or not there are problems in the countryside (2). Butterfly populations also indicate the speed and extent of climate change (3). We will provide every encouragement for those working to conserve them (4)."

(1) Sorry, as pretty as they are, I didn't even notice that their numbers had fallen. They are thus not a vital element. Notice how she slips in the word 'British'?

(2) This is half-true, I am sure that there are some 'problems in the countryside' that would reduce butterfly numbers, such as massive chemical spills, but other problems, such as the housing shortage for agricultural workers, EU regulations and the fox-hunting ban would have little effect.

(3) Woah! We daren't say 'global warming' any more, seeing as how the butterfly conservationists are hoping for a warmer, drier summer. And butterflies are a lousy indicator. The article explains that some of these butterfly populations might be snuffed out for good. So even if weather returned to normal, the butterfly population wouldn't. I think all in all, stuff like thermometers and barometers are better for measuring the weather.

(4) Well, of course you would. Set up a quango, buy some votes. And if by some miracle they manage to reverse the decline (despite adverse weather) this would make butterfly numbers an even worse indicator.