Theresa May talks the talk on British values, but that’s not enough | Martin Kettle

The core beliefs voiced by the prime minister after the Westminster attack were laudable. Will we ever see them put into practice?

Modern politics is remorseless, and modern politicians cannot opt out. Even when life and limb are at stake, a political leader has always at some point to ask the vulgar question: how will this play?

Although it will not have been the most important thing on her mind in those lurching first minutes on Wednesday afternoon, Theresa May had to ask herself that question about the terror attack on Westminster. While her overriding task was to ensure that the incident was dealt with effectively and safely, she also had to send the right political signals to the terrorists, to parliament and to the public.

Newspapers that are too puffed up with their own importance got it badly wrong by demanding unspecified tough action

Related: London attack: what we know so far

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