Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has warned that Sir Keir Starmer will put Britain in danger by failing to stand by the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

Sir Keir announced a “triple lock” for Trident, including a commitment to delivering four new ballistic submarines, maintaining the continuous-at-sea deterrent and providing all the necessary upgrades for the boats to continue their patrols.

But up to 13 frontbenchers – including Labour deputy Angela Rayner, shadow foreign secretary Lammy and Lisa Nandy – voted against Trident in 2016.

Mr Shapps said: “Everyone knows Keir Starmer flip flops on all his views, but the fact he can’t be relied on to stand by the UK’s nuclear deterrent will put Britain in danger.”

He added: “Starmer’s choice for Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has described the UK’s nuclear deterrent as ‘senseless’.

“This rubbishes the claim that Labour have changed. It’s clear Starmer lacks the courage and conviction to stand up for Britain’s security.”

Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh, shadow Scotland secretary Ian Murray and shadow Wales secretary Jo Stevens voted against Trident.

Some of the others include Ruth Cadbury, Vicky Foxcroft and Nia Griffith.

Challenged on the views of some of his shadow cabinet members who had voted against renewing the Trident deterrent, Sir Keir said: “I lead this party.

“I have changed this party. If we are privileged to come in to serve, I will be the prime minister of the United Kingdom and I’ve made my commitment to this absolutely clear and I’ve got my whole cabinet, shadow cabinet, behind me.”

Sir Keir gave a speech at the Fusilier Museum in Bury, Greater Manchester, flanked by 10 of Labour’s 14 new ex-military candidates, and reiterated his aim of spending 2.5% of GDP on defence while sticking to Labour’s fiscal rules.

Referring to his uncle’s service on HMS Antelope in the Falklands War, he said: “I know the courage, the service, and the sacrifice that allows us to sleep soundly at night from our forces and their families.

“I know it. I respect it. And I will serve it, with every decision.

“It is part of my story, and the reason why I said, from day one of my leadership, that the Labour Party had to change, change for a purpose, to respect your service, face the future in this dangerous world and above all, keep Britain safe.”

The Labour Candidate for Dover and Deal, Mike Tapp, attended Sir Keir’s speech today.

He suggested in 2021 that the Government’s announcement of an additional £10 billion funding for the Trident nuclear deterrent was a waste of money.

The former soldier said: “Instead of wasting £10 billion on nuclear warheads, we need a government that will spend on defence in the right places.”

Meanwhile former defence secretary Ben Wallace branded Labour’s nuclear deterrent triple lock pledge as “triple c**k” as he called for a defence spending hike to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP)

The Tory ex-Cabinet minister said: “Triple c**k I think the whole thing is. It’s all made up.”