Title fight

There are those who loudly doubt that this Government will be any more radical in its second term of office than it was in its first. To which we rejoin: Lord Irvine of Lairg!

Forget the wallpaper; forget even his dangerously demagogical demand for the abolition of the wig in civil proceedings. This time he has really gone and done it. Following concerns in the last election, Justices of the Peace are being firmly reminded that they must use the title only in connection with judicial matters.

Does he have any idea what he is doing? The very fabric of our society depends on the judicious exercise of initials. What is the use of all that honorary public service if you can't metaphorically jangle your fob chain and append "JP" to your entry in the visitor's book, or listen with a grave satisfaction to it being intoned before you present the school prizes?

It might not matter much to a lord, my Lord, but out there this sort of thing is very useful for getting a restaurant table or a bit of respect from the call centre. Oh, and do you think you could ask QCs and MPs to observe the same rule? Thank you.