Jeremy Corbyn’s PMQs capitulation

It was a masterclass in capitulation, a stunning act of self-slaughter. And yet, in a way, it was pitifully inept. At PMQs, Corbyn behaved like a quicksand victim who sucks in his breath in order to speed his descent. 

May arrived at the House in trouble. Her Home Secretary has resigned and the PM has not yet picked her way clear of the Windrush omnishambles. Corbyn seemed unaware that Amber Rudd’s scalp was dangling from his belt and he surrendered the trophy as soon as he opened his mouth. He blamed Windrush on ‘successive home secretaries’. May pounced on this lazy soundbite, and extended its scope:

‘Including the last Labour government.’

For mystifying reasons, Corbyn then abandoned Windrush – the biggest home-grown crisis since he became opposition leader – and moved on to the economy. This is far weaker territory for Labour. He tried to capitalise on sluggish growth figures during the late-winter quarter and he asked what the Chancellor’s alternative course was. Incredulous stares were exchanged.