Sir Keir Starmer has said he would be prepared to deploy nuclear weapons if needed to defend the UK.
The Labour leader said the nuclear deterrent programme is “vital” to the UK’s defence so “of course” he would be prepared to use it.
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He would not go into detail about what circumstances would require him to take that sort of action if he became prime minister.
But his comments show his determination to demonstrate Labour as a “changed party” from when it was led by Jeremy Corbyn – a life-long opponent of nuclear weapons.
Asked if he would authorise the firing of nuclear weapons if it was necessary, Sir Keir said: “On the nuclear deterrent, it is fundamental, it is a vital part of our defence and of course that means we have to be prepared to use it.
“Now nobody who aspires to be prime minister would set out the circumstances in which it would be used. That would be irresponsible.
“But it is there as a part, a vital part, of our defence. So of course we would have to be prepared to use it.”
Pressed on the circumstances of when the deterrent may be used, Sir Keir said “that is a matter of high confidentiality”.
He also insisted his whole shadow cabinet is behind him when challenged over previous opposition from some of his front bench.
In media questions at a campaign event at the Fusilier Museum in Bury, it was put to Sir Keir that his deputy Angela Rayner and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy voted against maintaining the UK’s nuclear weapons eight years ago.
Sir Keir said: “I lead this party, I’ve changed this party… and I’ve got my whole shadow cabinet behind me.
“I know full well that national security, defence of our country is the number one issue. That is why I voted to renew the deterrent.”
