Corbyn’s out of tune on Russia

FOR once, Theresa May achieved what she rarely does – judged not just the mood of the Commons chamber, but the mood of the country, too.

A strong, measured but angry response to the flagrant use of military nerve agent on a Wiltshire street is just the opening shot in what will be a long campaign of attrition between Russia and the UK.

May has no option but to respond to Putin’s aggression, regardless of what it might cost, even if that means boycotting events including the World Cup and shutting down normal diplomatic channels.

Putin’s Russia is engaged in a new kind of warfare, what the experts call “the full spectrum theatre” of cyber attacks and interference in foreign elections.

The UK and its allies have to find a response and without international support, we might find ourselves isolated.

Of course, walking out of the EU does not help, but that is one of the reasons the attack was mounted.

Jeremy Corbyn, who cannot find the words or the pulse to condemn Putin, is well out of step with the prevailing mood.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford found the right tone. And if a Scottish Nationalist can find the right expression of unity with a Tory Government, then the leader of the opposition must have had to row very hard to be out of tune with the country.

After Salisbury, we have woken up to a changed world, in which we are engaged with a hostile Russia. Corbyn ought to learn and appreciate that, or get out of the way for someone who does.