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NUCLEAR weapons are the “bedrock” of Britain’s national security, Sir Keir Starmer has declared.
He will today become the first Labour leader in at least 30 years to see the Trident subs being built.
On a visit to Barrow shipyard in Cumbria he will insist his party has “changed” after his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn vowed to never press the nuclear button.
Sir Keir will say: “Labour’s commitment to our nuclear deterrent is total.
“In the face of rising global threats and growing Russian aggression, the UK’s nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of Labour’s plan to keep Britain safe.
“It will ensure vital protection for the UK and our NATO allies in the years ahead, as well as supporting thousands of high paying jobs across the UK.”
Rishi Sunak visited the shipyard last month to announce £20million more to build the “next generation” of nuclear capabilities.
Four new Dreadnought vessels that will carry Britain’s Trident nuclear deterrent are being built at the complex.
Sir Keir will also meet Australian High Commissioner to the UK Stephen Smith to say the AUKUS alliance – that started under Boris Johnson – is safe with Labour.
He is pledging to breathe life into defence towns through the creation of new tech colleges to develop skills.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Sir Keir Starmer and John Healey tried twice to put Jeremy Corbyn in charge of the nation’s armed forces.
“The same man who wanted to scrap our nuclear deterrent, dismantle NATO and questioned the integrity of British Intelligence community.
“Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary even voted repeatedly to scrap Trident.
“They are not the Party to be trusted with our nation’s defences.”
