The idea that without the Gulf Stream we'd be as cold as Labrador is a
bit of a jump. We'd obviously be colder, but not necessarily as cold as
Labrador even though we are at the same latitude. Labrador has a cold
current offshore whereas even without the Gulf Stream we might not. Also
Labrador has the ocean to the east whereas we have it to the west.
Assuming that the prevailing wind at our latitude remains from a
westerly quarter (which I agree is a big assumption) then that will make
a major difference.

About time someone said all this. I agree with every word. Spoils the
story though, I suppose.

Tudor Hughes, Warlingham, Surrey.