Penny Mordaunt tears apart Angela Rayner over nuclear deterrent in BBC debate

Penny Mordaunt ripped into Angela Rayner over Labour's position on the nuclear deterrent during a clash on the BBC's General Election debate.

The Commons Leader insisted it is "too late" for Sir Keir Starmer's party when it comes to credibility on Trident.

The senior Conservative politician said: "I have to just mention also the cornerstone of our defence is our nuclear deterrent and you need more than submarines, sailors and warheads to deliver that.

"You need credibility and it's too late for Labour on credibility. Angela Rayner voted recently along with the guy that wants to be foreign secretary and half of the Labour frontbench to end our nuclear deterrent.

"If you're doubting that they would use that force and she might be prime minister in four of five years time, if you are doubting that she or David Lammy or Keir Starmer would use that, imagine what Putin is thinking.

"Without credibility we become a target, if we become a target you are less safe, it's too late for this generation of Labour politicians, that credibility is shot. Do not vote these people in."

The Labour deputy leader replied: "Penny you can keep pointing at me but you're the party that has cut the armed forces, crashed the economy and left us in a real mess.

"Keir has been absolutely clear, I am absolutely clear, we will keep our nuclear deterrent and we will invest in it into the future."

Ms Mordaunt hit back: "It doesn't matter that you're prepared to spend, it doesn't matter how many submarines you stand next to and have your photograph taken.

"If your foe does not believe that you will use these weapons the deterrent is gone and that's the position you're in."

Ms Rayner responded: "We've become a laughing stock internationally because of your party. Keir Starmer has changed the Labour Party."

Ms Rayner and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy were among 48 Labour MPs who voted against the renewal of the Trident nuclear programme in 2016.