As naval encounters go, the skirmish off the coast of Jersey was hardly up there with the Battle of Trafalgar.
The cause was a post-Brexit fishing rights spat between the island and France.
This could have been resolved amicably were it not for the ludicrous over-reaction by the French and British governments.
The threat by Paris to cut off Jersey’s electricity supply was childish and provocative.
Britain’s response should have been to rise above that and claim the moral high ground.
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Instead Boris Johnson, clearly with one eye on Thursday's elections, decided to despatch two Royal Navy vessels to the Channel Island.
What we need from the Prime Minister is less grandstanding and more diplomacy.
There was always going to be friction while the UK and the EU adjust to life after Brexit.
It is in both our interests to work through them in a calm and methodical way.
Mr Johnson’s tinpot admiral act was rash and unnecessary.
Post disservice
Hundreds of postmasters’ lives were ruined by a failed computer system.
They had to go to court to get justice after Post Office bosses refused to accept the software was responsible for accounting errors.
Some had been to prison, wrongly convicted of fraud or theft. Others faced financial ruin.
The Post Office has now added insult to injury by extending the contract with Fujitsu, the firm responsible for the Horizon software.
The amount Fujitsu will get is three times the postmasters’ settlement after costs.
Post Office bosses should be making amends for the injustice that happened on their watch, not handing out rewards for failure.
It shows they have learned nothing from their mistakes and a still treating staff with contempt.
On me Ed, son
Ed Sheeran is the new shirt sponsor for his boyhood club Ipswich Town.
It could be the perfect match given the star’s self-proclaimed love for the A Team.
