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Politicians in general, and in particular the Cabinet, are portrayed as being relatively ignorant and reliant on their Civil Servants.

Politicians in general, and in particular the Cabinet, are portrayed as being relatively ignorant and reliant on their Civil Servants.

A running joke in the series in that the Foreign Office does not reflect the views of the British people, or even the government. At one point, after being told that the elaborate reception is to "show the Arab nations whose side we're on", Hacker replies that "this may come as a suprise to the Foreign Office, but you're supposed to be on '''our''' side. Later in the series, Hacker is told "they are on our side", and Hacker seeks clarification that he meant the Americans, adding that: "for a moment, I thought you meant the Foreign Office".

A running joke in the series in that the Foreign Office does not reflect the views of the British people, or even the government. At one point, after being told that the elaborate reception is to "show the Arab nations whose side we're on", Hacker replies that "this may come as a surprise to the Foreign Office, but you're supposed to be on '''our''' side. Later in the series, Hacker is told "they are on our side", and Hacker seeks clarification that he meant the Americans, adding that: "for a moment, I thought you meant the Foreign Office".

Former British Prime Minister [[Margaret Thatcher]] commented that the portrayal of government was surprisingly accurate, and was a fan of the show even going so far as to write a script for the programme.

Former British Prime Minister [[Margaret Thatcher]] commented that the portrayal of government was surprisingly accurate, and was a fan of the show even going so far as to write a script for the programme.