Comics symbolise the UK

Comedians are considered better Ambassadors for the UK than Tony Blair, a new poll claims.

Billy Connolly, John Cleese and Eddie Izzard all represent "Britishness" better than the Prime Minister, according to a survey of 20- to 30-year-olds.

However, they all trailed Prince William in the report by brand consultants Corporate Edge and trade magazine Marketing Week.

Virgin is the brand most said would ideally represent Britain.

And only a third of those quizzed considered themselves British, the rest preferring English, Scots, Welsh, Irish or other ethnic group

Published: 9 May 2002