David Cameron has mounted a robust patriotic defence after a spokesman for Vladimir Putin reportedly said the UK was a small island to which no one listened.
At a briefing with reporters in St Petersburg, Mr Cameron went into overdrive in defence of the UK. Without pausing for breath, he told reporters: “We have been told that the Russians absolutely deny making the remark, and certainly no one’s made it to me. But let me be clear – Britain may be a small island, but I would challenge anyone to find a country with a prouder history, a bigger heart or greater resilience.
“Britain is an island that has helped to clear the European continent of fascism and was resolute in doing that throughout the second World War. Britain is an island that helped to abolish slavery, that has invented most of the things worth inventing, including every sport currently played around the world, that still today is responsible for art, literature and music that delights the entire world.
“We are very proud of everything we do as a small island – a small island that has the sixth-largest economy, the fourth-best-funded military, some of the most effective diplomats, the proudest history, one of the best records for art and literature and contribution to philosophy and world civilisation.”
He then quipped that he was quite happy for his remarks to be set to music. – (Guardian service)