Sure, there was a large segment of Labour voters who allowed Ukip to appeal to their worst instincts. They naturally followed May when she started foaming at the mouth and quoting Churchill.

But when Corbyn changed the subject, they listened. And evidently are flocking back to Labour.

Something similar nearly happened in France. Had the presidential campaign lasted a couple more weeks, Mélenchon might have peeled off enough FN voters to win the presidency. And the world would be a very different place.

I've said it before. Sometimes changing the subject, rather than confrontation, is a better tactic for everyone. If Corbyn wins (and a hung parliament counts as a win) with a progressive, inclusive, kindly agenda, then the xenophobia will subside. Slowly.

_{It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II}