Keir Starmer’s defence pledge slammed by Tories | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has warned that Sir Keir Starmer will put Britain in peril by failing to face by the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

Sir Keir introduced a “triple lock” for Trident, together with a dedication to delivering 4 new ballistic submarines, sustaining the continuous-at-sea deterrent and offering all the mandatory upgrades for the boats to proceed their patrols.

But as much as 13 frontbenchers – together with Labour deputy Angela Rayner, shadow international secretary Lammy and Lisa Nandy – voted towards Trident in 2016.

Mr Shapps stated: “Everyone knows Keir Starmer flip flops on all his views, but the fact he can’t be relied on to stand by the UK’s nuclear deterrent will put Britain in danger.”

He added: “Starmer’s choice for Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has described the UK’s nuclear deterrent as ‘senseless’.

“This rubbishes the claim that Labour have changed. It’s clear Starmer lacks the courage and conviction to stand up for Britain’s security.”

Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh, shadow Scotland secretary Ian Murray and shadow Wales secretary Jo Stevens voted towards Trident.

Some of the others embrace Ruth Cadbury, Vicky Foxcroft and Nia Griffith.

Challenged on the views of a few of his shadow cupboard members who had voted towards renewing the Trident deterrent, Sir Keir stated: “I lead this party.

“I have changed this party. If we are privileged to come in to serve, I will be the prime minister of the United Kingdom and I’ve made my commitment to this absolutely clear and I’ve got my whole cabinet, shadow cabinet, behind me.”

Sir Keir gave a speech on the Fusilier Museum in Bury, Greater Manchester, flanked by 10 of Labour’s 14 new ex-military candidates, and reiterated his intention of spending 2.5% of GDP on defence whereas sticking to Labour’s fiscal guidelines.

Referring to his uncle’s service on HMS Antelope within the Falklands War, he stated: “I know the courage, the service, and the sacrifice that allows us to sleep soundly at night from our forces and their families.

“I know it. I respect it. And I will serve it, with every decision.

“It is part of my story, and the reason why I said, from day one of my leadership, that the Labour Party had to change, change for a purpose, to respect your service, face the future in this dangerous world and above all, keep Britain safe.”

The Labour Candidate for Dover and Deal, Mike Tapp, attended Sir Keir’s speech at present.

He advised in 2021 that the Government’s announcement of an extra £10 billion funding for the Trident nuclear deterrent was a waste of cash.

The former soldier stated: “Instead of wasting £10 billion on nuclear warheads, we need a government that will spend on defence in the right places.”

Meanwhile former defence secretary Ben Wallace branded Labour’s nuclear deterrent triple lock pledge as “triple c**k” as he known as for a defence spending hike to three% of gross home product (GDP)

The Tory ex-Cabinet minister stated: “Triple c**k I think the whole thing is. It’s all made up.”