To the three Brigham brothers, the farmers at the centre of the dispute, they were publicity-seeking vandals. To the Labour party they are at best an irritation. But they are more than just the provisional wing of the environmentalist movement. What took place in the field in Norfolk represents the changing nature, speed and direction of popular dissent in Britain.

Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, the don of America's east coast rap scene, respects him. When Puff Daddy was in Britain last week to publicise his forthcoming album the two spent time together.

Farmer's plan was to send black and white demonstrators to the most segregated areas in the hope that racists would react, thus creating such disorder that the federal government would be forced to intervene to uphold the law. Within a fortnight, on a roadside in Anniston, Alabama, he had his wish, when a mob slashed the tyres of a bus carrying freedom riders and then firebombed it.

But two car bombs in three days this week have shattered not only the summer calm but Sweden's self-confidence.