The latest census figures reveal a Spanish population of around 44 million and a “foreigners” component of 8%, or 3.5 million. The biggest group of these is the Moroccans [usually referred to by the codeword ‘immigrants’], followed by Ecuadorians, Romanians, Colombians and Brits [at 225,000]. The fastest rate of growth is amongst the Rumanians. I wouldn’t have thought there were that many windscreens to wash or cigarette lighters to sell at traffic lights.

Things you’re unlikely to hear in the UK: One of the Galician mayors opposed to gay marriages has given us the benefit of his views. “Everything will degenerate.” he says. “Everyone is going to want to try everything as it’s well known that, though many homosexuals are born with the inclination, many others do it through error. They get tired of women and so fall into it. With this measure they’re fostering homosexuality. And that goes against nature. Yesterday, I saw some birds in a nest. The female was sitting on the nest and the male was out getting food. This is what’s natural”.

I see that – in the latest case involving the Beckhams’ home life – a UK judge has decided that ‘public interest’ means ‘whatever the tabloid-buying public are interested in reading’. It may, then, be some consolation to Mr B. to know that, after a difficult patch, he’s now seen as having returned to his footballing best. He puts it down to more rigorous training under the fourth Real Madrid manager in two years. And I guess this is why he’s no longer talking of the paparazzi hounding him out of Spain.

Finally, The Organisation for Women has asked the relevant TV channel to alter the words of this year’s Spanish entry, on the grounds that they’re sexist. The ditty in question is a ‘love song’ from three Andalucian sisters, containing the words ‘You dominate me with just a look” and “You don’t need ropes to tie me down.” With sisters like this, who needs macho mayors?