Starmer ‘unwavering’ over Labour green pledge despite claims party dropping it

Keir Starmer’s comments were welcomed by advocates of the pledge as a ‘recommitment’ to the policy Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Keir Starmer has said Labour’s policy pledge to spend £28bn a year on green investment is “desperately needed,” as he re-opened an issue that has become a source of tension in the party.

Starmer and the shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, were planning to ditch the pledge, party sources had said as recently as last week, while the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury all but confirmed the move a day later.