"Whatever you say, say nothing"

That was the Northern Irish wisdom, at the peak of the troubles, when self-preservation suggested a canny restraint. It’s sad that Keir Starmer seems to have taken it as his motto, at just the time when opposition to the Johnson government really needs someone with some guts and commitment.

Say nothing about Brexit, don’t criticise NATO, don’t show support for strikers…and not only don’t do these things, but prepare to be disciplined for it if you do. Peter Mandelson wants a tight ship, controlled by the leader, doing and saying only those things that the leader approves. What’s next - chatting up Rupert Murdoch for support?

And sadly, the voters are way ahead of him. He may be desperate to stop his members from supporting the railway workers, but the public can see the logic of Mick Lynch’s case - and respond to the warmth, humour and passion with which he puts it. Starmer may be petrified of what the Tory smear machine might make of any kind of deal with the Lib Dems, but the Wakefield and Tiverton voters are smart enough to see that the best way to get the Tories out is for those who want them out to work together. And if that could be long-term, looking to change the system beyond the next election, we might actually have a chance to reverse the detailed and intricate plans the Tories have laid to ensure that they never lose their hold on power.