As Sir Keir Starmer announces his resignation as Labour Party leader, newly appointed Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher-Jones has reflected on the legacy he left behind in defence.
Speaking to BFBS Forces News at a flag-raising ceremony marking the launch of Armed Forces Week, she expressed her thanks to the outgoing prime minister, noting that he took defence "very seriously".
"Firstly, he really recognised the threat that's posed by Russia and the importance of Ukraine's security," she said, adding that his commitment "never wavered".
"He always had that as his priority. And he really did, I think, represent us very well on the world stage with that regard."
Her words follow Sir Keir's address at Downing Street, where he accepted he was not the best-placed person to lead Labour into the next general election.
"He took defence very seriously," Ms Sandher-Jones continued. "And it was sort of easy for me, in that respect, to know that he understood what the men and women are doing every day."
She also pointed to the appointment of a new Defence Secretary.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis – a former major in the Parachute Regiment – succeeded John Healey as part of a significant government reshuffle.
The task at hand
Asked about the government's priorities following Sir Keir's exit, Ms Sandher-Jones said the first priority is "men and women [on] operations, so we're making sure we continue to service them".
"And we've got the Armed Forces Bill coming for its report stage this afternoon, and then we've got the Defence Investment Plan that we've made a commitment to publish before Ankara," she said.
Due to be published in autumn 2025, the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan is now expected to be released ahead of the Nato leaders' summit in Ankara, Turkey, scheduled for July 7-8.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis earlier commented that he is "working around the clock" to finalise the spending plan that his predecessor claimed fell well short of what was needed to keep the UK safe.
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