Stephen Morgan MP has welcomed the announcement today of Labour’s new ‘triple-lock’ commitment to the UK’s nuclear submarine programme, as well as commitments to deliver a local growth plan for areas with strong links to defence, such as Portsmouth.
On a landmark visit to Barrow – the first of any Labour leader in over 30 years to see Britain’s nuclear submarines being built in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria – Starmer said, “In the face of rising global threats and growing Russian aggression, Labour’s commitment to our UK nuclear deterrent is total”.
Labour’s triple-lock commitment will also bolster Britain’s economic security through a major boost to jobs and skills – in particular for Barrow-in-Furness and other communities in the UK’s nuclear supply chain.
The Party will also aim to raise the UK’s defence spending to 2.5% of GDP as soon as resources allow.
The City MP Stephen Morgan said the plans show that Labour is now the party of national security and will deliver on the defence priorities of Portsmouth people.
Labour in government will use defence procurement to strengthen UK security and economic growth – making it fundamental to direct British defence investment first to British business, with a higher bar set for any decisions to buy abroad.
The party recently announced that Labour will deliver a ‘local growth plan’ for every area in England, to harness the strengths of different communities, such as those with links to defence. The party has also announced plans for new Technical Excellence Colleges to develop the skills needed to turbocharge local growth.
The plans will primarily benefit cities such as Portsmouth with defence at their core.
Commenting, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan, said:
”Labour is now the party of national security and will work tirelessly to deliver on the defence priorities for Portsmouth people.
“In Portsmouth we know more than most the importance of our defence industry to national security, which is why I welcome the announcement made by Keir Starmer today of a triple lock commitment to the UK’s nuclear submarine programme, and a local growth plan for cities with links to defence to support their growth.
“It is right that Portsmouth is recognised for its huge contribution to keeping our country safe, in supporting our nation’s armed forces personnel, by ensuring our defence industry continues to thrive and has the tools it needs to continue keeping our country safe in the decades to come”.
Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said:
“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. A Labour government would secure a ‘triple-lock’ commitment to our nuclear submarine programme – providing 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.
“This is a generational commitment. 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.
“That’s why we are fully backing AUKUS submarines to be built in Barrow, too. And it’s why Labour will ensure that new UK leadership within AUKUS helps make this national endeavour a success for Britain.”
John Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, said:
“Pride is the overwhelming feeling of defence industry workers, especially those in Barrow building our vital nuclear submarines. They are essential in securing Britain’s defences for the future”.
“A strong defence industrial strategy will be hardwired into Labour’s Mission 1 in Government to drive economic growth across the UK. We will make it fundamental to direct defence investment first to British jobs and British industry.”
