Sir Keir Starmer's Visit to Barrow Shipyard
Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, made a historic visit to Barrow shipyard in Cumbria, becoming the first Labour leader in at least 30 years to witness the construction of Trident submarines. He emphasized the party's total commitment to Britain's nuclear deterrent, marking a significant departure from the stance of former leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Labour's Commitment to Nuclear Deterrent
Sir Keir Starmer stated, "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." He highlighted the importance of the nuclear deterrent in ensuring the security of the UK and its NATO allies, as well as creating high-paying jobs across the country.
Support for AUKUS Alliance
During his visit, Sir Keir Starmer also reassured Australian High Commissioner to the UK, Stephen Smith, that the AUKUS alliance, initiated under Boris Johnson's leadership, is safe with Labour. He pledged to revitalize defense communities by establishing new tech colleges to enhance skills in the sector.
Criticism from Defence Secretary Grant Shapps
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps criticized Sir Keir Starmer and Labour's position on national defense, highlighting past attempts to appoint Jeremy Corbyn, who opposed the nuclear deterrent, to lead the armed forces. Shapps questioned Labour's trustworthiness in safeguarding the country's defenses.
