The Bell Pottinger Group, the top Public Relations Consultancy in the UK, opened a brothel this week in the heart of London. According to an email to key clients, for a fee various "engagements" could be had. With regard to specific charges, the Times reported that a BP managing director said that every client would be charged differently depending on what services they used.

This is all part of a program arranged by the Labour Party, the principal left-wing political party in the United Kingdom. Exclusive access to Cabinet ministers and other senior Labour politicians is being offered for thousands of pounds at next week’s party conference. In addition, Labour is offering companies and special interest groups the opportunity “to engage first hand” with ministers and policy advisers for £1,500 a throw.

Bell Pottinger’s program has brought about intense criticism from the lobbying industry. Gill Morris, chairwoman of the Association of Professional Political Consultants, a voluntary organization that oversees lobbying, voiced deep concern. “What worries me most is that parliamentarians and ministers do this.”

Howard Haberman, APR, President of Haberman Communications Strategies, said, "The real problem is that the Internet has made things very competitive. For our services, money is just as easily spent in Vegas as it is in London."

Bell Pottinger's email invitation to various clients offered "engagements" with two Cabinet members, the Lord Chancellor, two ministers of state and three senior MPs. The e-mail promises "dinners" with Stephen Timms, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, on Monday, and Richard Caborn, the Minister of Sport, on Wednesday. It also promises "meetings of particular interest" to to BP’s health-related clients. These are with Caroline Flint, the Public Health Minister, and Kevin Barron, the Labour chairman of the Commons Health Select Committee.

GLOBAL COMPETITION

For about the same amount of money - probably cheaper long term - one can get similar services just 40 miles north of Las Vegas. A sampling of the menu at the Cherry Patch Whorehouse includes:

Deuces Wild

Two Girl Chain: Two women chained together doing exactly what you tell then to do. Psst! You like watching two women together?
Nude Show: You gotta love a parade!
Salt & Peper: Two different nationalities of beautiful women spending all their time on you! I wonder what would come up watching these babes.
Fantasies: Why play any place else! Two women are twice the fun.
Tag Team: Have two women vacuum you up for the grand prize inside! Women just love surprises.
4 Deuces: JACKPOT! How can you lose with 4 women and you! Bubble baths, photo shoots, just imagine what you can do.

High Roller

Cover All: For the discriminating man. Have or do your wildest fantasy ever with one or more of our lovely ladies.
Fetishes: We have all the body parts and toys you could ever wish for. What is the pepsi bottle for?
Half & Half (Reversed): She will strap-on a size you like and have her way with you! Come on, take it like a man!
Champagne Bath: It's bubbly and you can drink it right off of her. Excuse me who needs a glass.
Back Door Screw: Yes! It's exactly what is says.
Dungeon: Chains, whipping post, or use our famous rack, if you dare!

NOTE: Hat tip to Edelman/London for the heads up to this story.