Liked the tribute to The Ipcress File in Spooks (of which I saw the Sunday repeat last night. The meeting at the London bandstand in this episode involving double agents is the same setting as the film in which Michael Caine starred. Sir Harry Pearce even looks like the de facto boss of Palmer (Caine's character). I've only come to Spooks this series but it is so easy to slip into. Who says actioners can't be intelligent?

Also, good news that the two aircraft carriers are being commissioned, avoiding the mistake that the government made at around the same time The Ipcress File was released. The Labour government decided not to build a full-scale carrier, getting 'through-deck crusiers' on the cheap and it almost cost Britain in the Falklands War. When China hasn't got aircraft carriers, this will allow proper global deployment for British operations. The aircraft aren't ready but they will come. Two carriers were needed as well because one carrier would be immensely vulnerable to attack and if disabled, then a whole task force could founder. This is a wise, strategic, long-term decision.