Friday 15 February 2008

Welcome to England. Fancy a cuppa?

Somewhat belatedly I have discovered a news item from last month in which a British MP is calling for a traditional tea trolley to be introduced at British airports. Acting on a suggestion by the managing director of Waitrose, MP Michael Fabricant has tabled a Early Day Motion in the House of Commons which states: "That this House supports a proposal initiated, funded and operated by Waitrose, to trial the introduction of tea trolleys with biscuits into arrival halls at UK international airports to provide a warm welcome to weary returning UK nationals and visitors from overseas queuing up for passport inspection."

Discussing this in an article in the Times, "Welcome to England, ducks. Fancy a cuppa?", the columnist describes the "psychological maelstrom" of modern air travel and asks "who would not be instantly soothed and cheered by the sight of a gleaming, steaming tea urn in the arrivals hall?"

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