Mandy may seem a tad slimy at times, but did he deserve the green custard treatment administered by Leila Deen of Plane Stupid? Leila said it was payback for Lord Mandelson's machinations (schmoozing with businessmen and bullying the cabinet) to smooth the way for approval of Heathrow's third runway.

 

Protests have a long and glorious history of bringing about change, but with stunts like this there's a risk the cause won't be taken seriously – by politicians or the public (whom environmentalists urgently need on side).  Mandelson was silky smooth as ever, stating "I am prepared to take my fair share of the green revolution on my shoulders but I am less keen on having it in my face."  Gordon Brown even managed a lame duck's lame joke, which isn't really where we need to be at this urgent time. Still, it's got people talking. No word yet on whether Leila will be charged (assault with a deadly dessert?).

 

If you're wary of getting your hands dirty, try the old-fashioned method of getting your message heard. Write to your MP, local councillor, MSP, MEP, etc. If you don't know who's who visit Write to Them, this week's Website of the Week, which gives you the straight skinny on how to contact your representatives.

 

Friends of the Earth's Press For Change page encourages this response to a range of causes. The Building up the Pressure  campaign suggests you write to encourage your MP to stick to the government's promises for a strong and sustainable Renewable Energy Strategy. The government will publish its new strategy in May so start typing!

 

If typing earnest missives just doesn't scratch your activist itch, but you're not quite at the custard stage, indulge your passion for protest at the family-friendly We CAN Rally for Young People to ask for Climate Action Now, at the Houses of Parliament 23 March (5-6pm). Note: you may be frisked for green-coloured foodstuffs, so pack your picnic carefully.

 

Whatever method you prefer, protesting isn't as easy as it looks. I played Leila Deen... The Custard Queen and after amassing an adrenaline-fuelled score I accidentally slimed a green activist, ending up in the red.

 

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