‘Stand by every word’: Keir Starmer defends attack ad on Rishi Sunak

Party leader says he will make absolutely zero apologies for being blunt' after facing widespread criticism over advert

Keir Starmer has said he will make absolutely zero apologies for being blunt" in an article published after a row over a widely criticised Labour attack advert on child sexual assaults.

In a veiled message to critics within his own party, the Labour leader said he will stand by every word Labour has said on this subject" and would continue to use the Conservatives' record on crime as a legitimate criticism no matter how squeamish it might make some feel".