When, last week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a snap national election for early July, the derision came thick and fast. First, it was because he made his announcement, in front of 10 Downing Street, while being pelted with rain. Without an umbrella.

But then came his first election promise.Should the Tories be elected, all 18 year olds will go through compulsory national service, in a bid to create a “renewed sense of pride” in Britain.

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on Rishi Sunak, and whether this proposal has any chance of rejuvenating his party, which, as one commentator recently put it, is “facing an extinction-level event”.