UK'S HIDDEN DEFENDERS

Starmer says nuclear déterrent is guarding Britain from evil Putin

- LIZZY BUCHAN

KEIR Starmer has said Britain's nuclear deterrent is the front line of our defence and warned the UK not to take its eyes off Russian aggression amid the Iran crisis.

The Mirror was given rare access to join the Prime Minister as he boarded a nuclear-armed Vanguard-Class submarine off the west coast of Scotland as it returned from a record 206-day deployment.

His top secret visit to greet Royal Navy submariners on "Day Zero" their return to UK waters from their lengthy patrol comes at a moment of extreme global tensions.

And his decision to showcase Britain's nuclear arsenal will serve as a fresh warning to Vladimir Putin as the Russian leader seeks the cover of the conflict in Iran to continue his aggression. Speaking at Faslane naval base, he said: "It's the most important capability we have as a country, and it has kept us safe for many years.

"It is committed to Nato and therefore it's not just kept the UK safe, it's helped to keep Nato safe.

"So it is really important to come on Day Zero and meet the crew coming off who've worked really hard for a considerable period of time and say thank you to them for what they've done for our country. I find it quite humbling to do that." It is the second time the PM has visited the Vanguard submarines.