A BROAD swathe of the Arab world is, as I write, angrily marching, chanting and in some cases burning its way towards a better future.

It seems bent on driving out its long-established dictatorships and substituting something – anything on present showing – that promises more freedom and democracy.

A lack of a definite plan may be seen as a disadvantage. If it continues, political vacuums will open up that will be filled, possibly be the devil they don’t know rather than the devil they do.

But one can’t help but admire the enthusiasm they are showing in their bid to create a better future.

Egyptians, Bahrainis, Libyans and Tunisians are very cross that they have been trodden on for so many years and are passing the torch from nation to nation, one lot gaining confidence from the example of another.

We live a much more comfortable life here in Britain. The water and power is on most of the time, our schools and hospitals are open and a greater percentage of us can read, write and find work.

But I still find our ‘mustn’t grumble’ attitude galling. Much may be right in the UK, but much is wrong and a more energetic, rebellious approach to setting it right wouldn’t come amiss.

I wouldn’t be averse to burning effigies, waving flags and fists if it could be shown that this got anybody anywhere.

But our riots always tend to get nasty, with extinguisher-chucking and window-smashing and the police hitting you for no good reason.

If I come up with a strong new wheeze to change things for the better, I’ll tell you.