There would also be one other benefit. In a single dramatic moment Ed Miliband would have communicated to the commentariat, his party, the wider electorate and his political opponents that here was a man prepared to do what it takes to get his party into power. Miliband wouldn't just be sending the signal "you underestimate me at your peril", he would be proving it.

The strikers set bushes on fire and torched a bulldozer and a caravan, sending smoke billowing above the picturesque valley, where fruit farm owners are bracing for more trouble.

However, it said that non?OPEC supply growth for 2013 would average 1.1 mb/d, rising to a near?record 1.7 mb/d in 2014.

However, hydrogen has yet to make a significant breakthrough primarily because it requires a hugely expensive fuel cell and because of the distinct lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

"This is arguably the single most consequential issue that is serving to erode trust in the relationship," said Jeremie Waterman, the chamber's executive director for greater China. "Over time, it could undermine business support for U.S.-China relations."