Keir Starmer Pledges to Maintain UK's Nuclear Deterrent Amid Defence Criticisms

British opposition leader Keir Starmer has pledged to maintain the UK's nuclear weapons, aiming to challenge criticisms of his Labour Party's defence stance. As the favourite to win the July 4 election, Starmer stressed Labour's commitment to national security and promised to increase defence spending, contrasting with Conservative cuts.

British opposition leader Keir Starmer made a definitive pledge on Monday to retain the UK's nuclear weapons, aiming to address criticisms that his Labour Party is too lenient on defence.

Expected to win Britain's July 4 election, Starmer's campaign focuses on his reforms since succeeding Jeremy Corbyn, an opponent of nuclear arms, as Labour leader in 2020.

Starmer assured voters of Labour's dedication to safeguarding the country's economy, borders, and security in a bid to combat perceptions of the party's weaknesses compared to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives.

'My commitment to the nuclear deterrent is absolute,' Starmer declared at a military museum in Bury, northwest England. He emphasized the responsibility of potential prime ministers to maintain this crucial defence.

Historically a nuclear power since the 1950s, both Labour and Conservative governments have upheld atomic weapons. Britain's deterrent has relied on Trident-armed Royal Navy submarines since the 1990s.

Starmer also committed to building four new nuclear submarines, criticizing Conservative defence budget cuts that have reduced the UK's military capabilities.

Highlighting a "new age of insecurity," Starmer called national security the paramount issue of our times. Labour historically has been divided on nuclear policy, dating back to Prime Minister Clement Attlee's post-WWII decision to develop atomic weapons.

Starmer noted his team's united support for the nuclear arsenal, despite previous votes against Trident renewal by top figures like Angela Rayner and David Lammy in 2016.

Labour plans to boost defence spending to 2.5% of GDP but lacks a specific timeline. PM Sunak's Conservatives aim to meet this target by 2030.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps criticized Starmer's failure to commit to a precise defence budget deadline, calling his speech "another empty promise."

The upcoming election will see voters electing lawmakers for all 650 seats in the House of Commons. The party leader capable of commanding a Commons majority will become prime minister.

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