Keir Starmer warns UK must not take eyes off Putin from top-secret Vanguard sub visit

EXCLUSIVE: Keir Starmer warns UK must not take eyes off Putin from top-secret Vanguard sub visitThe Mirror was given rare access to join Keir Starmer as he boarded a nuclear-armed Vanguard-Class submarine off the coast of Scotland as it returned from a record 206-day deploymentCommentsNewsLizzy Buchan Political Editor12:00, 19 Apr 2026Updated 12:10, 19 Apr 2026Starmer: Nuclear subs are front line of Britain's defence Keir Starmer has said Britain’s nuclear deterrent is the front line of our defence as he warned the UK must not take its eyes off Russia 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 sky-high 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.Mr Starmer said the nuclear-armed submarines were the front line of Britain's defence, and served to warn off Putin and other threats.READ MORE: Inside UK's four Vanguard-Class submarines - including £6billion underwater nuclear monsterOPINIONLizzy BuchanAboard Britain's nuclear submarinePolitics