Warning

Every Tuesday sirens wail across the city.

It’s a test for the emergency response system, so that in case of a nuclear, chemical or biological attack the residents can be warned to - well - probably run around like headless chickens, start looting and then die if truth be told.

But it got me thinking. Back in the days of the Cold War what would happen if the Russians staged a first strike at just that time. Everyone would assume it was just a test and no-one would take cover. To the military mind this might be a cunning plan.

I put this to our reporter and asked him what he thought of the idea: what would happen if the strike was timed for Tuesday at noon.

“Exactly the same as would happen if they scheduled it for noon on Wednesday,” he replied laconically.

“We’d all die.”

I like this chap’s attitude.