Gordon Brown evoked the spirit of the blitz to claim global leadership for Britain in the financial crisis on Sunday, in remarks that underlined his transformation from political write-off to respected statesman.

As he jetted off to Paris to instruct the eurozone countries – at their request – on the £400bn banks bail-out, the prime minister made clear he was confident the UK was setting a global example. The “calm, determined British spirit” meant that “while this is a world financial crisis that has started from America, Britain will lead the way in pulling through”, said Mr Brown in an article in the Sunday Mirror.