Jeremy Corbyn tells Theresa May: Labour is ready to provide strong and stable leadership
2 min read
Jeremy Corbyn mocked Theresa May to her face today and told her: "Labour is ready to provide strong and stable leadership in the national interest."
The Labour leader used the Prime Minister's widely-ridiculed campaign slogan as MPs gathered in the Commons for the first time since the election.
In another jibe at Mrs May, Mr Corbyn described the proposed Tory-DUP pact as "the coalition of chaos" - a term repeatedly used by the Conservatives to describe the prospect of a minority Labour government.
Mr Corbyn, who was given a standing ovation by Labour MPs when he entered the Commons chamber, said: "Democracy is a wondrous thing and can throw up some very unexpected results.
"I’m sure we all look forward to welcoming the Queen’s Speech just as soon as the coalition of chaos has been negotiated.
"I just let the House know and the rest of the nation know if that’s not possible, the Labour party stands ready to offer strong and stable leadership in the national interest."
The Labour leader added: "We look forward to this parliament, however short it might be. That we can be the voice for change in our society because more people - particularly more young people than ever before - took part in this recent general election.
"They took part because they wanted to see things done differently in our society. They wanted our parliament to represent them and deliver change for them. And I am looking forward to this parliament like no other parliament ever before to challenge and hopefully bring about that change."
MPs had gathered for the formal re-appointment of John Bercow as Commons Speaker.
Mrs May told them the election showed that the UK was divided "between young and old, rich and poor".
She said: "Some people blame politics for these divisions or say there is too much politics. But politics can be an incredible force for good. Conducted in the right way it can be how we resolve our differences, how we deal with injustice and how we take, not shirk, the big decisions.
"It’s not always glamorous or exciting but at its best the duty we share as politicians to serve others in confronting these challenges is a truly noble calling for us all. The test for all of us is whether we choose to reflect divisions or help the country overcome them."
Turning to Mr Bercow, she joked: "My I congratulate you on your re-election - at least someone got a landslide.”
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