Westminster Cocks confirmed

Yesterday, we discovered for ourselves what the architect of Parliament really thought of it's members.

If ever you're feeling down over the state of politics today... take comfort with a stroll across Westminster Bridge... On the right kind of glorious sun-filled morning you can bathe in the warm, delicious glow of knowledge that for years, our MPs have been branded by sunlight as cocks 'n balls. Better still, there's nothing they can do about it.

As the sun moves round, the cocks elongate, fatten and contract in a graceful arc next to the Palace of Westminster. Day in, day out.

It is, without doubt, the best middle finger ever given to the establishment. Don't think for a moment it wasn't deliberate. Though the bridge is credited as being designed by Thomas Page it's an often overlooked fact that it's architectural ironmongery (including the genius shadow-casting ballistrade) was designed by Charles Barry - the architect of the Palace of Westminster. The House of Lords was finished in 1847, Commons chamber in 1852. Barry died in 1860, but not before he'd finished his part of the designs for Westminster Bridge - which opened in 1862.

The Great Trees of Westminster

Well, we said we’d do it. And what the hell, we figured if we’re gonna moan and groan about the Freedom of Information Act’s forthcoming castration by HM Government we might as well actually use the FOI and see what it’s all about.

You may remember us going off on one over Westminster council’s insistence on pissing down the drain the cash their traffic wardens gleefully extort. Our example focussed on their recent “entrepreneurial” endeavours - for a mere 50p you can buy any one of these exclusive series of postcards, “The Great Trees of Westminster”.

Gasp at the beauty of "the Turkey Oak at Park Lane Central Reservation" or "the Maidenhair Tree of St Johns Gardens, Horseferry Road". Can you hear the sound of cash registers ringing ?

We thought it might be useful to find out via a Freedom of Information request exactly what this cost the good people of Westminster and how well the sales have gone...

As you can see, we should have some news by May 17th.