SIR KEIR STARMER committed Britain to a century-long military pact with Ukraine during a visit to Kiev today.

In a dash to ramp up backing for Ukraine in its war with Russia ahead of Donald Trump’s arrival in the White House, the Prime Minister said that “it’s very important that we ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position.”

As part of that, Sir Keir announced a deal for Sheffield Forgemasters to make artillery barrels for the Ukrainian military, as well as providing a new mobile air defence system.