Getting back on track

Time for the party to regroup ready to return stronger and make a difference

- David Blunkett

This week, parliament goes into recess. It has been, to say the least, a rollercoaster of a year for Keir Starmer and his ministers.

Now is the time for them to take a deep breath, refresh and come back fighting.

Learning the lessons of what's gone well, and what has gone sadly awry, is really important.

With three years-plus to go, there's time to turn things round, bring a feelgood factor and give people hope. That, from September, will be the challenge.

Many things have gone well. The Prime Minister has been a titan on the international stage.

Dealing with defence and security, trade issues and relationships with Donald Trump, the US and European partners has been one of the great outstanding pluses of recent months.