Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to be the first Labour leader in 30 years to visit Barrow’s BAE Systems.
During his visit today, Friday, April 12, he will promise to the make the UK’s nuclear deterrent the bedrock of his plan to keep Britain safe.
He will be joined on the visit by the Australian high commissioner to the UK, Stephen Smith, and shadow defence secretary John Healey.
During the visit, Sir Keir will speak to workers, union members and apprentices at the shipyard.
He is also expected to affirm Labour’s commitment to the Aukus security pact, after outlining plans to direct British defence investment to British business first.
Starmer is expected to say: “The changed Labour party I lead knows that our nation’s defence must always come first. Labour’s commitment to our nuclear deterrent is total.
“In the face of rising global threats and growing Russian aggression, the UK’s nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of Labour’s plan to keep Britain safe. It will ensure vital protection for the UK and our NATO allies in the years ahead, as well as supporting thousands of high-paying jobs across the UK.
“Countless families in Barrow and across Britain have built a secure future over decades of hard work building our defences. I want that to continue for the decades to come.”
