Sir Keir Starmer says his support for the nuclear deterrent and to NATO is "absolutely unshakeable". When asked if he would ever consider pushing the nuclear button if he were to become prime minister, the Labour leader adds the nuclear deterrent is "absolutely vital" for the country's defence. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
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00:00 In 2019, the Labour Party manifesto had a full commitment to the nuclear deterrent and
00:06 a full commitment to NATO. Here we are 2024, I'm pleased to be the first Labour leader
00:15 in 30 years to be here in Barrow to make a very strong commitment to the work that they're
00:22 doing. A triple lock, which is to support the dreadnought submarines that we've seen
00:28 this morning. I've actually been in the dreadnought this morning to see it as it's being made,
00:33 to make that commitment to the continuous at sea deterrent and to the upgrades, which
00:38 to the workforce here is very important because they know that this is a generational commitment.
00:44 So my support for the deterrent is a cornerstone of our defence and to NATO is absolutely unshakable.
00:50 It's been really good to be here with the workforce to share that with them and to see
00:54 what they've been doing, the pride that they have in the work that they're doing. The only
00:58 way to have a safer world is to have an effective deterrent. The nuclear deterrent has been
01:05 effective now for decades. It's the single most important part of our armoury to protect
01:11 our country and that's why I'm so committed to it. And it's important that we see this
01:17 as a long term project because not only do we need the deterrents today, but we need
01:23 the upgrades and the continued deterrents as we go forward. I do want a safer world,
01:28 but it is important to appreciate that deterrents and safety go together. They're two sides
01:33 of the same coin. The first duty of any government and of any Prime Minister is defence of the
01:41 realm, defence of the country. The nuclear deterrent is absolutely vital for that. So
01:48 that would be my responsibility were I privileged enough to be elected in to serve our country.
01:54 So it's that fundamental first duty of government and Prime Minister that I have centrally in
01:59 focus in answering your questions about a deterrent that has worked for many years and
02:07 kept us safe and is probably the single most important part of our protective armoury.