Beyond Parody

The current slide of the British into the downright silly embrace of political correctness and rampant nanny statism has to be just about complete now. Because it is hard indeed to imagine how much lower it can go when it takes away a tradition like a pie-eating contest.

Vegetarians are to be allowed to compete in the World Pie Eating Championships for the first time.

In previous years the only filling available to contestants was one of meat and potato.

But next month, following "relentless pressure" from the Vegetarian Society, a cheese and onion version will also be on the menu.

Tony Callaghan, the event's organiser, has also changed the rule on the number of pies to be eaten.

First prize has traditionally gone to the contestant who could eat the highest number of pies in three minutes. The current record stands at seven.

On December 13, however, the winner will be the man or woman who can devour a single pie the quickest.

Mr Callaghan, who stages the event at Harry's Bar, Wigan, Greater Manchester, says he has changed the rules in response to the Government's healthy eating campaign.

"I realise it may be controversial, but this is the way forward for pie-eating at this level.

"It will make for an exciting sporting spectacle, whilst also doffing its cap to Government guidelines on obesity.

"We have also bowed to relentless pressure from the Vegetarian Society and agreed to introduce a vegetarian option."

I'm sorry I did not visit Britain years ago when I had a chance to. I honestly don't think I'd like it there now. How sad that is.