So, the Paralympics are almost upon us and, therefore, another chance to fly the flag and cheer on Britain.

I was accused recently of being unpatriotic for focusing on the negative aspects of living in Britain. But that’s a very lazy accusation to throw my way.

If someone asked me “Are you proud to be British?” my answer would be this: When I think about the Beatles, George Orwell, Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis, William Blake and Peter Cook – not to mention a country rich in history and with the luxury of freedom of speech – then, yes, I’m very proud.

But then, on the flip side, I could mention antisocial behaviour, embarrassing drunken scenes in provincial towns on a Friday and Saturday night, an inability to learn foreign languages, Third World transport system, a love of starting wars, fondness for bad teeth – and Russell Brand.

So it’s a lot more complicated than a straight yes or no.

And what about the English themselves? Well Lord Jeremy of Clarkson made the mistake recently of saying Britain was a nation of “62m complete and utter b*******”, in response to being bombarded by internet trolls who left unsavoury comments about his dead dog. Cue toys being thrown out of prams by outraged Englishmen (and women) across the land.

But Clarkson is obviously wrong to say everyone in the country is an idiot. Now if he’d said “90 per cent”...

I guess I’m just not a people person. I don’t understand people who say they are. Some people are OK, some are morons, so how can you go around saying you just “like people”? It doesn’t make any sense. It’s like saying you enjoy every Police Academy film. And let’s face it, most are rubbish. Except Police Academy 7 – Mission to Moscow. Which is up there with The Godfather in my opinion.

Until next time, stay happy.