They mean us

Different commentators will draw different conclusions from the latest attempt by the British Council to help us to see ourselves as others see us. Some may worry about our status in the eyes of young people around the world as a pale imitation of America, lacking in innovation. Others, seeing us variously described in the Council's survey as distant, stiff, arrogant, snobbish, aloof, xenophobic, intolerant and unfriendly, may well conclude: "Bloody foreigners. What a cheek - they should try France!"

Different commentators will draw different conclusions from the latest attempt by the British Council to help us to see ourselves as others see us. Some may worry about our status in the eyes of young people around the world as a pale imitation of America, lacking in innovation. Others, seeing us variously described in the Council's survey as distant, stiff, arrogant, snobbish, aloof, xenophobic, intolerant and unfriendly, may well conclude: "Bloody foreigners. What a cheek - they should try France!"

For our part, we prefer the survey's more whimsical aspects. Are you amused or upset by the large numbers for whom the most potent British personality is Mr Bean? Why do the Hungarians like us? And what about this Argentine: "I'd rather live in a more chaotic place, some place more emotional, like Belgium." Belgium!

Obviously, we have sympathy with those confused about what Tony Blair stands for; but the most pressing question is: how can the Italians find us cold and inaccessible and criticise our personal hygiene?