British opposition leader Keir Starmer has vowed to uphold the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons program, aiming to address concerns that his center-left Labour Party lacks a strong defense stance. Starmer, the frontrunner in the upcoming July 4 election, has positioned himself as a transformative figure within the party since taking over from Jeremy Corbyn in 2020.
During a campaign event in northwest England, Starmer emphasized his unwavering support for the country's nuclear deterrent, stressing its crucial role in national defense. He underscored that while the circumstances for using nuclear weapons would not be disclosed, their presence is vital for the nation's security.
Britain has maintained a nuclear arsenal since the 1950s, with successive Labour and Conservative governments backing the program. Starmer affirmed Labour's commitment to constructing the four new nuclear submarines, a project already endorsed by the Conservatives.
Highlighting the evolving global security landscape, Starmer labeled national security as the paramount issue of the current era. He outlined plans to boost defense spending to 2.5% of Gross Domestic Product, without specifying a timeline, in contrast to the Conservative pledge to achieve this target by 2030.
The Labour leader's stance on nuclear weapons has drawn criticism from Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, who accused Starmer of lacking clear leadership in uncertain times. Shapps argued that Starmer's failure to commit to the 2.5% defense spending target by 2030 reflects a lack of decisiveness.
As the Conservatives seek to retain power after 14 years in office, the upcoming election on July 4 will determine the composition of the House of Commons. The party able to secure a majority in the Commons will form the next government, with its leader assuming the role of prime minister.
