What makes Britain great

A snapshot of Britain in 2007: Leslie Ash, actress, is awarded £5 million by the NHS Litigation Authority (without going to court, apparently), after contracting a form of MRSA at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

Meanwhile on the other side of the social fence, several hundred soldiers have been awarded around eight grand each after the MOD - wait for it - deliberately infected them with sarin as part of an experiment. They thought they were taking part in research into the common cold. Characteristically of these awards, the MOD (it is claimed) is insisting they'll only get the money if they all agree to it (presumably there's a gagging order in there as well).

Five million quid to an actress for accidental infection. Eight grand to a soldier for deliberate infection. Our head is beginning to hurt.