Starmer calls Russia a 'real and ongoing threat' to Europe

Sir Keir said the UK «will need to contain» Moscow during a visit to the NATO operational base in Tapa, Estonia Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Russia poses a “real and ongoing” threat to Europe, Sir Keir Starmer has said, as he seeks to further distance himself from Jeremy Corbyn's Labor leadership.

The Labor leader, dressed in army fatigues, visited soldiers , stationed in Estonia to highlight his party's commitment to NATO, the defense organization Mr Corbyn wanted to leave.

In addition to the military threat from Vladimir Putin's actions, highlighted by the war in Ukraine, Sir Keir said there was also the risk of other forms of “interference” from the Russian state.

Sir Keir Starmer and John Healey met with British troops during their visit. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA

He said Britain and its allies “have to be prepared, we have to deter” in response to Moscow's moves, adding: “I think we have to be mindful of this threat posed by Russia to Europe , for ourselves in the UK and the interference continues.”

The Labor Party leader said there was “a real and ongoing threat from Russia, measured over the years, including at home in the UK.”

The Labor Party leader was at pains to highlight a shift in policy from his far-left predecessor Mr Corbyn, who proposed ultimately dissolve defense alliances such as NATO.

The visit to the NATO base demonstrated the Labor Party's strong commitment to the alliance. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA The Labor Party has pressured the government to maintain its support for Ukraine. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Sir Keir and Mr Healey used the visit to praise the British military for helping to defend NATO's eastern flank. The pair were expected to watch military exercises and then join troops in the canteen for lunch.

Ahead of the visit, Mr Healey said: “We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to win. We stand ready to support further assistance to Ukraine and our NATO allies such as Estonia.»

Amid signs of war fatigue among Ukraine's western allies, the Labor Party has stepped up pressure on the government to reveal Britain's plans for the future military help. for Kyiv.

The UK has provided Ukraine with £4.6 billion in military aid over 2022 and this year.