It is probably going too far to say that the moral leadership of Europe has moved east since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Poland in particular showing the way. But it is certainly true that the former East Bloc has set the pace over the last year when it comes to standing up to Vladimir Putin. A year ago, the Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki, was widely condemned in western capitals for his errant behaviour in respect of such matters as press freedom, abortion rights and judicial independence. Today, he is seen as a fearless champion of freedom, ready to do whatever it takes to assist his Ukrainian neighbours to defeat Russia and recover their lost lands.
Time for a change: Do the Tories stand a chance against such a potent political motto?
Instead of trying to claim that everything is splendid, the Conservatives should immediately concede that many aspects of public life aren’t working well – and that government does not have all the answers.
