Back in November, the Ministry of Defence trumpeted that “100 highly skilled jobs will be created” thanks to drone manufacturer STARK’s new Swindon facility, calling it “a major expansion of the UK’s defence industrial base.” Labour presented it as proof their Strategic Defence Review is paying off. Only problem is Labour hasn’t awarded them a single contract…
Defence minister Luke Pollard admitted: “The Department has not awarded any contracts to STARK to date.” Defence minister Al Carns even visited the factory at the time, declaring: “This facility is the Strategic Defence Review in action — building UK industrial strength, creating over 100 skilled jobs, and ensuring we can produce the drones and munitions that modern conflict demands.” Big speeches, zero spending…
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge told Guido: “This is the stark reality of Labour’s rhetoric on defence – it’s all spin.” A blank round…
Reform MP Danny Kruger welcomed adult film star Bonnie Blue’s support for the party, adding:
“I’m not going to be judgemental about people who want to vote Reform. We want all the support we can get – quite like Bonnie Blue.”