The politics of pragmatism should be the order of the day in this era of grave uncertainty. And for all the criticism that has been, rightly, aimed at the Prime Minister, he has recognised this when it comes to the international arena.

The Prime Minister said the UK must “confront the reality” that the Brexit deal “significantly hurt our economy”. He talked about “reducing frictions” between Britain and the European Union.

This will undoubtedly worry those that fought hard to leave the EU. And even those who didn’t vote to leave will be concerned about having to rerun arguments of the past.

But at a time when the economy is stalling, the Government should be doing everything it can to make trade easier.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer making his speech at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in London. PIC: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

placeholder image — Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer making his speech at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in London. PIC: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

However, the message of pragmatism also must carry through on the domestic front. Sir Keir Starmer has already faced the embarrassment of having to ditch welfare reforms earlier this year.

When the economy is stuck in a rut, working people are expected to pay more and more in tax and the welfare bill keeps ballooning, reform is clearly the pragmatic way forward.

No one wants to see vulnerable people being penalised but we’re also at that juncture where living off benefits can no longer go on being a lifestyle choice.

Starmer sidestepped a question on whether he would remove the whip from MPs if they do not back a second attempt at welfare reforms. And failed to outline how he would bring the benefits bill down by the next election.

The PM said the UK has passed the “narrowest part of the tunnel”. Starmer is in for a rude awakening if he thinks that there aren’t further, even larger, obstacles ahead. That includes discord within Labour’s own ranks.