Today is one of those rare occasions in British politics – a day when Rishi Sunak’s government has a bit of good news. Figures released this morning show the UK economy grew by 0.6 per cent in the first three months of the year, thanks to stronger than expected growth in March. So it is no surprise then that Labour want to take control of the news agenda by turning attention elsewhere.
Sir Keir Starmer is in Dover this morning, proudly unveiling his latest Tory defector. Natalie Elphicke is intended to be Starmer’s ‘small boats bodyguard’ in the upcoming election, using her reputation as a migration hawk to deflect Tory attacks. Elphicke introduced her new leader by declaring that ‘nowhere is Rishi Sunak’s lack of delivery clearer than on the issue of small boats – they are failing to keep our borders safe and secure.’ With Channel crossings currently on course to overtake the record year of 2022, it would be difficult to argue with her assessment.
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