May back in charge

IT’S hard to think of any time since the Second World War when Britain was in more desperate need of strong leadership.

Brexit talks, which will shape our country’s future for generations, are mired in acrimony and delay because of the arrogant intransigence of Brussels negotiators.

At home, public and private debt remain at terrifying levels, and the terrorist threat is ever-present on our streets. In the wider world – apart from Syrian carnage and the flood of migrants pouring into Europe – the threat of nuclear conflict is high as deranged North Korean despot Kim Jong-un launches ballistic missiles over Japan.

These are perilous times and Britain needs a leader of stature to meet them. Before the General Election, an overwhelming majority of the country agreed Theresa May was that person. Her party had a poll lead of 25 points and her personal ratings were sky-high.

A disastrous campaign saw her majority wiped out, leading to bitter recriminations and serious questions over her future.

Yesterday, Mrs May began her fightback by boldly declaring she would lead the Tories into the next election. It may sound ambitious but it was exactly the kind of unambiguous signal the country needed that the Prime Minister was back in charge. Her Government must now unite behind her – whatever their reservations. The stakes could not be higher.