Leading article: A clean sweep

Harrogate has finally given in. For years the Yorkshire town was the only postcode on the British mainland not to have a large Tesco supermarket. Now that is all changing, and when the former gas works on Skipton Road opens its doors to shoppers, it will be geographical domination at last for the behemoth that sucks up £1 in every £7 Britain spends.

But there is pique amid the triumph at Tesco HQ. The very same day that the final UK stronghold fell, Tesco admitted defeat in Japan. Perhaps the Japanese don't appreciate the pleasure of buying everything in one place while simultaneously bemoaning the death of the high street. Harrogate residents have that treat to look forward to.