Sir Keir Starmer Visits Nuclear Subs Shipyard in Cumbria
Sir Keir Starmer made a visit to a nuclear subs shipyard in Cumbria, where he expressed his support for the nuclear deterrent and vowed on defence spending. During his trip to Barrow in Cumbria, the Labour leader emphasized the importance of nuclear weapons in keeping Britain safe.
Commitment to National Security
Starmer stated that nuclear weapons are the "bedrock" of his plan to ensure the safety and security of the country. He even mentioned in an interview with ITV that he would be willing to push the nuclear button if Britain faced an attack.
Shift in Defence Policy
In a notable departure from the policies of Jeremy Corbyn, Sir Keir Starmer pledged to match the Conservative Party's goal of increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of national income "as soon as resources allow." This move signals a significant shift in Labour's stance on defence.
Response from Government and Defence Secretary
Government officials, including Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, welcomed Starmer's commitment to bolstering defence capabilities. Shapps emphasized the importance of investing in defence, especially in the face of growing threats from countries like Russia and China.
Call for Increased Defence Budget
With calls for greater investment in the armed forces, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the need to allocate more resources towards defence, suggesting that Britain should aim to spend 3 per cent of GDP on defence. This push comes amid escalating global tensions and the evolving security landscape.
