Critics of the Lib Dems' occasionally laid-back and dilettante approach to politics should hang their heads in shame this morning. We quote the Liberal Democrat transport spokesman, Tom Brake:
"Boys and girls up and down the country will be eagerly waiting for Father Christmas to arrive with their presents on Christmas morning. What they may not realise however is that Santa would be better off taking public transport.
"His reindeer are producing the equivalent of around 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in the course of their flights. This is five times the emissions he would produce if he was to take the bus.
"At least he isn't taking the plane, which would be worse than the reindeer. We realise that it might be a bit late to change things for tonight, but hope that Santa will take this research into account when he plans next year's trip."
Note to Father Christmas: Mr Brake would prefer his stocking to be left unfilled this year, on environmental grounds.
