Starmer: Tory claim Labour is danger to security ‘ridiculous’

Speaking on a campaign visit in Aldershot in Hampshire, known as the home of the British Army, on Armed Forces Day, Sir Keir was asked about the Tory claim Labour would put the country’s national security at risk.

“I think this is desperate stuff from the Tories,” he said, highlighting that the UK joined the Nato military alliance under a Labour government and the party’s support had been “unshakeable since then”.

He also pointed to Labour’s support for the UK’s nuclear deterrent, as well as the construction of four new nuclear submarines and any future upgrades needed.

“We have also – and this is why it is really desperate from the Tories – united with this government, the Tory government, on really important issues of national security,” he said.

“As a result of that, they have given me high-level sensitive briefings, so much do they trust us on national security.”

He added: “To now turn around and make this ridiculous claim just shows how desperate they have become going into this election.”