Keir Starmer is unprepared to tackle Britain’s mounting threats – voters know he can’t be trusted with national security

Sat on defence

SIR Keir Starmer made his big pitch yesterday, insisting he has “permanently” changed the Labour Party.

As a result he claims he can now be trusted with national security.

It’s a very public acknowledgement that he still has a lot of work to do to win over unconvinced voters.

Four years ago he sat silently in the Shadow Cabinet as his leader Jeremy Corbyn swore never to fire Britain’s nuclear weapons.

Now he’s pledging a “100-day review” to assess what’s needed to keep us safe.

We can save him the time.

The threats are: reckless dictator Putin, scheming China, North Korea, Iran, Hamas, IS, unchecked illegal migrants and international organised crime gangs.

Add to that home-grown Far Right, Northern Irish and Islamist terrorism.

What people really need to know is whether Labour is prepared to put its money where its mouth is.

The party’s failure to say it will commit to Rishi Sunak’s plans to spend £75billion on defence means any promise it makes to protect Britain is in danger of sounding like hot air.

Sir Keir’s short-term ambition is to kick out the Tories on July 4.

But where it leaves the security of the country on July 5 is still not wholly clear.

Think of the kids

RISHI Sunak yesterday offered what he believes is clear blue water between the Conservatives and Labour.

His offer on pensions is designed to shore up wavering older voters.

A boost rising to almost £2,000 by 2029 for OAPs backs up years of action to protect their income and assets.

Coupled with his surprise pledge on National Service, it’s clear the PM is aiming at his core vote.

Both are welcome ideas.

What is needed now are new policies to help younger voters and new families.

We hope Rishi has something up his sleeve to solve the desperate housing shortage, which is pricing young people out of home ownership.

As it stands, many see no reason to even consider voting Tory.

Let’s see what the PM can do for them, too.

Squall to play for

AFTER a Spring washout and the soggy beginning of a so far less-than-exciting election campaign, weather experts are now predicting 50 days of summer rain.

We just pray favourites England can bring us some sunnier cheer at the Euros next month.

With our forward line of superstars, there’s no fear of a goal drought.

So if our defence can avoid making heavy weather of it, surely the Three Lions can take the tournament by storm.