British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the immigration policy proposed by Reform UK, labeling it as “racist” amid concerns over the rising popularity of the populist party. Starmer’s remarks came as he urged the Labour Party to unite against Reform UK, particularly as it gains traction in opinion polls ahead of the next general election, scheduled for 2029.
Starmer Calls for Unity Against Reform UK
During Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, Starmer emphasized the need to focus on defeating Reform UK rather than engaging in internal party conflicts. He stated, “We have got the fight of our lives ahead of us, because we’ve got to take on Reform. We’ve got to beat them, and so now is not the time for introspection or navel gazing,” in an interview with BBC News.
This call for unity follows a challenging period for Labour, which has seen a drop in support compared to Reform UK. Starmer’s leadership has faced scrutiny, especially after the recent resignations of his deputy leader and ambassador to the United States. With Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, among those calling for change, Starmer aims to redirect party frustrations during this pivotal conference.
Pressure to Adapt Fiscal Policies
Starmer and his finance minister, Rachel Reeves, are facing growing demands from party members to increase spending and reconsider their fiscal policies. The current plan seeks to balance day-to-day expenditures with tax revenues by 2029. However, the government is expected to announce tax increases in its upcoming budget on November 26 to comply with these guidelines.
Sharon Graham, leader of the Unite trade union, highlighted the importance of this budget, stating, “The budget is an absolutely critical point of us knowing whether direction is going to change.” She further urged the party to rethink its fiscal approach, warning that without adequate funding, substantive change would be impossible.
As Labour grapples with criticism over its effectiveness in improving living standards, particularly in light of last year’s election promises, some centrists within the party worry about potential market reactions to increased spending.
Starmer’s Critique of Reform UK’s Immigration Stance
Starmer’s sharpest criticism was directed at Reform UK’s immigration policy, which he claims targets lawful residents as part of a broader agenda. He remarked, “It is one thing to say we’re going to remove illegal migrants, people who have no right to be here. I’m up for that. It is a completely different thing to say we are going to reach into people who are lawfully here and start removing them… I do think that it’s a racist policy, I do think it is immoral.”
According to polling data from Ipsos, only 13 percent of voters express satisfaction with Starmer’s leadership, while a staggering 79 percent are dissatisfied. This marks the lowest approval rating of any Prime Minister since the firm began tracking data in 1977.
As the political landscape evolves, Starmer’s focus on combating Reform UK and addressing internal party challenges will be crucial in shaping Labour’s future strategies and electoral prospects.
