'Plymouth can trust us to deliver on defence'

Labour leader Keir Starmer writes for The Herald outlining his view on the future of defence in Britain

FOR centuries, Plymouth has had a proud military history. Legend has it that Francis Drake was playing bowls on Plymouth Hoe as the Spanish Armada was spotted in the Channel.

Ships returned to the Plymouth docks victorious from the conflict in the Falklands. And, of course, Plymouth was at the heart of our nation’s efforts during both of the World Wars.

That tradition continues today. It runs through your city like a stick of rock. Devonport dockyard is the largest naval base in Western Europe. The Citadel, which has overlooked the coastline since the 1660s, is still a base for our Royal Artillery. Plymouth and its people still stand on the frontlines of our defence.

That’s a source of great pride in your city. Pride I see and feel when I visit. But it’s also a source of pride for our nation. And it’s vital in a world where we all know Britain needs to defend itself at home and stand with our allies abroad.

So my changed Labour party is totally committed to the security of our nation, our Armed forces and to the great British companies and workers who supply them.