Why John Healey’s letter could be a terminal diagnosis for Starmer’s leadership

Keir Starmer and John Healey speaking on a trip to Turkey (Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

‘My first duty, the duty above everything else, is to keep our country safe, and to keep our people safe.’

Those are the words of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, on a visit to a weapons factory in Swindon just six days ago.

It wasn’t the first time he used those words. In fact, he’s delivered that same sentiment in the past when talking about the Chagos Islands; the strategic defence review; Reform’s alleged links with Russia; VE Day; and countless other events.

All of it served to hammer home one mes...