The Government and the voters need to listen

THE Labour government is now a year old and has several more years to lay the basis of national renewal after the previous decade of drift and economic chaos at home and rapid change abroad. It is leading on both challenges.

- Mary Glindon

The government has made trade deals across the world, repaired broken relationships with old allies, and is doing more to defend our country against external threats.

We have worked with allies to maintain America’s role in defending Europe through Nato. Any abrupt abandonment would leave us with a sudden burden of many billions. Labour has led the continuing struggle to defend Ukraine. Successful diplomacy requires hard-headed realism and diplomacy with America in particular.

The weakness and opportunism of the Conservative Opposition leader was highlighted when she accused the Prime Minister of evading questions for two sessions although he was batting for Britain at important summits of other world leaders in Canada and Holland.

Our ability to defend ourselves also requires economic renewal and great care with public finances.