If there was one possible silver lining to the volcanic ash cloud hanging over Europe surely it would be the cancellation of this week’s European parliament plenary session in Strasbourg. As far as I can tell, the monthly trip is reviled by everyone save Alsatian hoteliers and those parliamentary aides who use the trip to pursue extra-marital diplomatic relations. (Strasbourg’s taxi drivers claim to over-hear some pretty colourful conversations). Read more