Swedes join the awkward squad

Date: 04/01/1996

The Swedes, who consider themselves worthy and loyal members of the European Union, have been dealt a terrible blow: they have been bracketed with the British as 'awkward squads' in matters of the soil.

When Swedish representatives turn up at the Special Committee for Agriculture, they are automatically bundled off towards the seats reserved for the British delegates.

However, it's nothing to do with their fair skin and pallor or the fact that they speak English so well.

The confusion has been caused because the Swedes are now regarded as every bit as Eurosceptical as the Brits when it comes to agricultural matters.

Officials have been known to mutter: “Here comes the second British team.”