Voters will see through 'engaging' Corbyn says David Cameron

Updated

Jeremy Corbyn is "engaging" in the way he talks, David Cameron has admitted.

The Prime Minister conceded there was a case for saying the new Labour leader appeared to be more of a straight talker. But he insisted that Opposition disarray over crucial security issues, particularly deep divisions over the future of the Trident nuclear deterrent, would deter voters.

Asked whether Mr Corbyn was more straightforward than other leading politicians, Mr Cameron told BBC 2's Newsnight: "There's a case for saying that and he's engaging the way he answers questions and talks.

"But politics, in the end, is about forming a team with a clear plan and demonstrating you can be a government, in our case, or an alternative government in their case.

"If you are endlessly having debate, incapable of agreeing amongst yourselves, even on important issues like the defence of the nation, the public will conclude you won't be able to do what we want, which is to deliver on strong, sound, sensible government."

He added: "So, debate yes, but at the end of the debate you have to decide and then you do need people to stick to a common position."

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