UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has visited the crew of HMS Vanguard, a nuclear-armed submarine, following its return to UK waters after completing one of the longest deployments in British Royal Navy history. The submarine had been on patrol for over 200 days, underscoring the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent.
Accompanied by Defence Secretary John Healey, Starmer became the first prime minister in more than a decade to attend the submarine’s “Day Zero” event at Barrow-in-Furness. During the visit, Starmer emphasized the importance of the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent, stating that it commands respect from the Kremlin and reinforces the nation’s commitment to NATO.
“What is obviously important is they appreciate that it is what it is, which is a credible capability,” Starmer told reporters. “And that it most certainly is.”
The visit comes as the UK prepares to host a closed meeting of senior military officers from the “Coalition of the Willing” on Thursday. The gathering, held at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, will focus on advancing plans for a proposed Western-led peacekeeping force for Ukraine. Over 20 countries are expected to participate in the discussions, with Britain and France taking a leading role.
The proposed peacekeeping force aims to ensure Ukraine can achieve a lasting peace and rebuild its military capabilities. However, the initiative faces significant challenges, including Russian President Vladimir Putin’s firm opposition to any NATO troop presence in Ukraine and the reluctance of the United States to provide necessary air support for the mission.
Defence Secretary John Healey reiterated the government’s “unshakeable” commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, describing it as “the ultimate guarantor of our national security and the security of our NATO allies.”
Starmer’s visit to HMS Vanguard and the upcoming military talks highlight the UK’s dual focus on maintaining its strategic defense capabilities while playing a leading role in international efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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