Vladimir Putin fears Britain’s nuclear weapons, Sir Keir Starmer has insisted.

The Prime Minister said Trident had proved “incredibly effective” since its introduction in the 1990s, and that it continued to be a crucial deterrent, with the Russian president resisting Donald Trump’s efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Sir Keir has also been urged to offer Europe Britain’s nuclear protection, amid fears Mr Trump will scale back security guarantees for the continent.

He focused on the effect Trident has on Moscow’s thinking ahead of a visit to Barrow on Thursday, where he will usher in the next generation of submarines to carry the missiles. “I think they appreciate our capability. What is obviously important is that they appreciate that it is what it is, which is a credible capability.”