Labour leader makes nuclear pledge on visit to Barrow shipyard

Monday, 15 April 2024 07:12

The Labour leader pledged to protect the future of Britain’s nuclear deterrent when he visited South Cumbria.

Sir Keir Starmer visited the Barrow shipyard at BAE Systems, where nuclear submarines are being built - the first visit of its kind by a Labour leader in more than 30 years.

If elected, the Labour leader said he plans for his party to prioritise defence procurement to strengthen UK security and economic growth, with an aim to direct British defence investment to British business first, with a higher bar set for any decision to buy abroad.

The Labour leader said: "The only way to have a safer world is to have an effective deterrent. The nuclear deterrent has been effective now for decades.

"It's the single most important part of our armoury to protect our country, and that's why I'm so committed to it.

"And it's important that we see this as a long-term project because not only do we need the deterrence today, but we need continued deterrence as we go forward.

"I do want to save the world but it is important to appreciate that deterrence and safety go together, they are two sides of the same coin."

During the visit, Sir Keir spoke to workers, union members and apprentices from the shipyard, alongside shadow defence secretary, John Healey, and Australian high commissioner to the UK Stephen Smith.