A small European Union youth organization, the Young European Federalists has rattled cages. The minor think tank normally attracts little attention, but one of their sillier ideas has outraged the, even sillier, UK Euro-phobes.

In an open letter, the group, normally known by its French acronym JEF, called for a "EU Olympic Team," as "a way to combat nationalism that is always very fast in spreading on these sportive occasions.".

"EUROPE BIDS TO HIJACK OUR MEDALS" screamed the front page of the Sunday Express and quoted Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party, as saying, "At the heart of all this is the simple fact that these people want to create a single country called Europe. Our Westminster politicians try to pretend otherwise, but ideas like this let the cat out of the bag."

It is as if the UK government was being held responsible for a policy statement of the National Union of Students.

A German PR company, Euro-Information, created an on-line medal table showing the outcome of the Olympics if all the countries in the EU competed as a single team. I enclose the revised table here to annoy any Chinese, USA or Russian readers.

Australians will be smiling at the new table, as they are no longer behind the Brits.

President Nicolas Sarkozy, never one to miss the opportunity to annoy, referred to the table in a speech congratulating French achievements at the games. He said “The European Union therefore takes the leading position. It's a victory for sport and for the fundamental and common values of the people of the union"

The Sunday Express reported that it has "emerged that our athletes could even be asked to hand over their medals for display in the office of the EU President, a post currently held by French leader Nicolas Sarkozy," but where this had "emerged" from it fails to mention.

If "losing the plot" was an Olympic event, the UK would top the medal table.

The UK’s Euro-phobes have a lot in common with conspiracy theorist every where. Any US conspiracy theorists reading should note that the JEF openly admit to supporting world government. They have a highly effective propaganda machine which no one will be able to resist. You are next, you have been warned.

Congratulations to Team GB for a great achievement, the largest medal tally for 100 years. Thanks to all who participated in the Beijing Olympics for a superb few weeks of sport.

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