United we stand...divided we will fall

THE CONSERVATIVE party needs to unite for its own survival and for the good of the country. Britain is in an economic danger zone and the consequences for families who already struggle to pay the bills could be catastrophic.

- David Williamson

Surging inflation has arrived at a moment of international turmoil. This is a terrible time to also suffer political chaos.

The UK needs leadership and stability and it is incumbent on the Conservative Party to provide a Government worthy of the nation's trust.

The nightmare scenario is that Britain tumbles into a recession in which unemployment once again ravages communities.

Economic uncertainty could poison the post-pandemic recovery, and a torrid chapter of political instability would send out the message that the Conservative Party is clapped out and no longer fit to govern.

The leadership election has exposed stark divisions among MPs about the strategy for getting through the present storm.

Former chancellor Rishi Sunak argues that inflation must be brought under control before he embarks on a tax-cutting programme. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss believes bold reductions in taxation are required to jump-start growth.

It is vital that the pros and cons are thrashed out in the coming days and weeks with candour and urgency.

Good people disagree on the best way to tackle Britain's debt mountain and kill off the inflation threat. This is the time for an honest contest about ideas, not a succession of squalid attempts to smear rivals.