When Alex Jennings character James Sinclair, an outspoken former ambassador, walked into the first episode of The State Within I thought “that’s Craig Murray”. So it turned out, did Craig Murray. It’s less obvious in episode two, but Craig Murray has written in today’s Guardian (the link is to the AFP because the Guardian media requires registration) that the BBC are denying any connection. Indeed, he alleges that nervous BBC top brass are claiming it is entirely removed from reality.

I’m glad to find someone else is watching it. Two friends started to watch it and gave up; both were surprised when I said it was as good as State of Play. I’m glad Craig Murray rates it as important television, deserving comparison with Edge of Darkness. There’s more tonight.