Yesterday's initial meeting of the project board was tortuous. There seemed to be 1001 stakeholders represented, and every one wanted their say. At least it should wind down to a sensible number for future meetings. Lots of posturing and threats of dire consequences... but ultimately it was the usual problem:

• Media hysteria stirs EU into action
• EU tells member states to do something
• Member states jump
• HMG commits to something in the House, without consulting those that have to actually do it
• Those who actually have to do it, sit there and wonder what planet these jerks inhabit.

[File under: Diary]