Starmer victory would embolden Putin - Sunak

RISHI Sunak has warned giving Sir Keir Starmer the keys to No.10 would leave the country less safe and embolden Russia’s Vladimir Putin, in an early indication of bitter general election battles to come.

The Prime Minister claimed Labour’s refusal to adopt the Government’s plan to spend 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence sent the wrong message at a time when the world was facing “one of the most dangerous periods we’ve ever known”.

The highly personal attack on Sir Keir Starmer came as Mr Sunak attempted to revive Tory hopes with his party more than 20 points behind in the opinion polls and licking its wounds after a local election mauling.