Gerri Peev: Exile Hamilton on track for award from PM

Just been to the Downing Street Monday morning Lobby where we were told that Gordon Brown would be presenting an award to Lewis Hamilton today. Andy Sparrow of the Guardian asked him what he was getting the prize for: certainly not for his direct contribution to the British Exchequer. For charming as that smile is, there is no doubt that the young Mr Hamilton lives in Switzerland, largely so he does not have to pay taxes here. The PM's spokesman sidestepped questions about whether he believed a high achievers raised in Britain should stay here to contribute, pointing out that Brown was merely presenting the award. Given the cash challenges facing Formula One, maybe Hamilton would not be that much of a cash cow for the Chancellor anyway in the new future. Fittingly, the awards ceremony is taking place at Cafe Royale, the iconic Picadilly play pen which is set to close after 150 years.