The world-renowned British spy, James Bond, has publicly spoken out against the pay freeze in the Civil Service. "I think the government is out to get me. In the last year, they've increased tax on alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, air transport and fast cars. Now they think they can give me a below-inflation wage increase. It's simply unfair."

The Wealth Inflation Index, produced by the Royal Bankers, Coutts, estimates that inflation on luxury goods is standing at 9.5%. Commentators are generally in agreement that Bond has been unfairly treated, with one saying: "It's fair to give low-paid civil servants who buy their clothes at Primark and travel on Ryanair a 2% wage increase, but it must be appreciated that Bond has to maintain a lifestyle far above theirs, travelling first class and wearing Savile Row suits."

Bond however seemed reluctant to change his lifestyle, "I'm not going to downgrade to business class or 4* hotels. The simple way is to visit the casino in tax-free Monaco a bit more often and hopefully meet some rich women."