04 January 2024 , 23:02
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Rishi Sunak yesterday condemned the country to at least another eight months of Conservative government.
By signalling that the general election will not be held until autumn, the Prime Minister is going against the will of the people. Opinion polls show an overwhelming majority of voters want shot of the Tories as quickly as possible. Yet Mr Sunak intends to squat in Downing Street – a bankrupt PM who has run out of ideas and out of road.
By contrast, Keir Starmer set out a convincing plan for rebuilding the country. The Labour leader pledged to reinvigorate the economy, cut household bills, nurse the NHS back to health, transform England’s schools and put more police on the streets. It is now clear only one party has the vision and determination to bring about change. It is also clearer than ever the Conservatives have overstayed their welcome. To cling on to power for power’s sake is an act of vanity that underlines why it’s time for Mr Sunak to go.
Doing damage
The release of the Jeffrey Epstein court papers raises yet more questions about the conduct of Prince Andrew.
The allegations, which the Prince has denied, cannot be brushed aside by King Charles and the rest of the Royal Family. If this were any other organisation then the Prince would have been suspended immediately pending an independent investigation. The same rules should apply to the House of Windsor. The Prince should be made to co-operate with the US authorities and, while a probe takes place, withdraw from public life. By closing ranks around the Prince the Royal Family will not make the issue disappear. If anything, it will only perpetuate the damage to the reputation of the monarchy.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Girls still rule
It is a collection worthy of its own album: the Royal Mail has issued a set of stamps to salute the Spice Girls. It’s yet further proof of their sticking power.