Shoes are now the ultimate tool of political rebellion, apparently

Not the actual shoe.

As Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao gave a speech on the global economy at Cambridge University this past Monday, he was most likely slightly perturbed when a protestor launched a shoe in his general direction. The shoe missed its target, landing roughly a meter away from Mr Jiabao as he gave the speech on his last scheduled day in Britain.

The protestor was then swiftly apprehended by University security, whilst blowing a whistle and yelling "How can the university prostitute itself with this dictator? How can you listen to the lies he is telling? Stand up and protest", before being ushered out of the building.

This act of footwear-based rebellion follows a similar incident in December, when an Iraqi journalist launched shoes at former US President George Bush, as the president made his farewell tour of the country.

The style and make of shoe involved is not yet known.