Ms Frexit is welcomed to far-right losers’ club

SIX months ago there were fears the disruptive winds behind Brexit and Donald Trump would sweep through Europe. Populist uprisings were threatened in Austria, the Netherlands and France. In each country the centre has held firm. Marine Le Pen joins the far-right losers’ club already containing Geert Wilders of Holland and Austria’s Norbet Hofer. Ms Le Pen’s cosmetic makeover of the National Front could not wash away the stench of her racist and authoritarian views. But it is still frightening that so many voters backed her for President and if Emmanuel Macron fails to deliver his promises of jobs and growth then she will pose a genuine danger when France next goes to the polls in 2022.

GOODBYE

Britain should also be celebrating the defeat of Le Pen and not just because her vile agenda has been rejected. Victory for “Madame Frexit” would have thrown the European Union into turmoil as we are trying to negotiate our withdrawal. For Brexit to succeed, we need stability in the EU. That is Theresa May’s only consolation. Macron fought an unashamedly pro-eu campaign. Last night’s result is a stamp of approval for whole EU project. Brussels may be less willing to offer favourable terms to Mrs May in the Brexit talks. When it comes to the three Ms – Angela Merkel, Macron and May – the M&M that matters is Merkel and Macron. Alongside Merkel, set to be re-elected in September, he will put defending the core values of the EU ahead of dishing out favours to the UK. Macron also has eyes on using Brexit to woo the big financial firms across the Channel. Mrs May faces finding herself on the cliffs of Dover waving goodbye to British influence and a favourable EU deal.