Can you imagine?

George Galloway calls for Woolies rescue

In my view, Woolworths ought to be on Business Secretary Lord Mandelson’s list of companies which the government should intervene to save, as a matter of urgency. It’s on sale for just a £1 and, although there would be additional costs to keep it as a going concern, the government could turn it into a people’s Woolies, employing local people, buying from local producers and ensuring it provided the services and goods local people on low incomes need. The alternative is to allow the vultures to pick it apart for their own profit.

I like George, I really do, but can you imagine Woolies run by some government department? It doesn't bear thinking about. I'd rather see the old girl slip away peacefully than go through the torture of public ownership.