Of course the parties should work together to help defeat coronavirus – here’s what they should do first

Editorial: If the new leader of the opposition wants to hold Boris Johnson to account, he should challenge him to avert the coming collapse of care homes

Social care services could be hit hard by coronavirus (AFP)

Congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on his election as Labour leader, and a qualified welcome for Boris Johnson’s invitation to the leaders of opposition parties to “work together in this moment of national emergency”.

The new leader of the opposition struck the right note in his acceptance speech, offering to engage constructively with the government. And the prime minister was right to invite all parties to a meeting this week “to listen to your views and update you on the measures we have taken” – although the publication of his letter to pre-empt Sir Keir’s speech was somewhat tactical.

Indeed, Sir Keir’s predecessor attended similar briefings, so this is not new. But The Independent hopes that the new Labour leader will raise the opposition’s game. We agree with Sir Keir that, “in times like this, we need good government”, and we believe an effective opposition will improve the quality of government decision-making.