May urges unity as ‘coalition of chaos’ mocked

THERESA MAY told MPs to “come together in a spirit of national unity” as she made her first Commons appearance since losing her majority.

The Prime Minister, after welcoming the re-election of John Bercow as Speaker, said MPs should recognise “we all want to see a Britain that is stronger, fairer and safe and secure for our children and grandchildren”.

Mrs May added it was clear the UK “faces some of the greatest challenges of our time”, including keeping the “nation safe”, “securing the best possible Brexit deal” and “spreading opportunity and prosperity to every part” of the country.

Addressing MPs, the PM said: “As we face difficult challenges ahead, let us come together in a spirit of national unity to keep our country safe and build a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous future for everyone in every part of our United Kingdom.”

The Prime Minister added: “In meeting these challenges, what we have seen from the election is that there are parts of our country that remain divided – divided between young and old, rich and poor, those for whom the future offers a sense of opportunity and those for whom it brings worry and concern. Some people blame politics for these divisions or say there is too much politics, but politics can be an incredible force for good – conducted in the right way it can be how we resolve our differences, how we deal with injustices and how we take, not shirk, the big decisions.”

Jeremy Corbyn mocked Theresa May’s campaign slogans as he said Labour will offer “strong and stable leadership” if her “coalition of chaos” fails.

The Labour leader was applauded by his MPs as he arrived in the chamber following his party’s election gains.

Mr Corbyn also joked to Mr Bercow during the meeting: “We look forward to this Parliament, however short it might be, that we can be the voice for change in our society.”