Sir Keir Starmer has branded Reform UK an "enemy" of the country as he prepares for the Labour Party conference this weekend. The Prime Minister vowed to take the fight directly to Nigel Farage's party ahead of the gathering in Liverpool.
Speaking to the Guardian, Starmer described the conference as a "real opportunity for us to make our argument about patriotic national renewal, to own patriotism, to define it for what it is". His comments come as the latest YouGov polling shows Farage as the most likely politician to become the next prime minister.
The polling suggests Reform UK is currently on track to win the most parliamentary seats if an election were held. This represents a significant shift in the political landscape since Labour's general election victory.
In a rallying cry to his divided party, Starmer told the Guardian: "History will not forgive us if we do not use every ounce of our energy to fight Reform. There is an enemy. There is a project which is detrimental to our country." He added: "It actually goes against the grain of our history. It's right there in plain sight in front of us. We have to win this battle."
Leadership pressure mounts
The Prime Minister faces speculation that Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is preparing to challenge his leadership. Starmer rejected calls for introspection, telling the newspaper: "We do not have time for introspection. We have to unite and fight … we cannot miss this opportunity to set out our stall and take the fight to Reform."
Labour chairwoman Anna Turley acknowledged that her party has had "quite a challenging couple of weeks" amid the leadership speculation. However, she insisted that many more MPs are "frustrated" that colleagues are already trying to topple Starmer.
EU migration scheme proposal
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has outlined plans for an "ambitious" new youth migration scheme with the EU. Speaking to the Times, she said she wants the Office for Budget Responsibility to include the improved EU trading relationship when making economic forecasts.
The proposed scheme would allow young people from the UK to work, study and live on the continent for extended periods, with reciprocal arrangements for Europeans. Reeves argued this would be "good for the economy, good for growth and good for business" and could reduce the need for tax rises in the forthcoming budget.
However, the Times suggested the scheme could create migration challenges, as 50,000 Europeans annually could become eligible to live in the UK. This potential influx raises questions about the government's broader immigration policies.
Conference challenges ahead
Backbench MPs and unions have renewed calls to end the two-child benefit cap ahead of the Liverpool conference. Several Liverpool MPs wrote to the Prime Minister describing the cap as "one of the most significant drivers of child poverty in Britain today".
The benefits debate represents one of several policy areas where ministers could face challenges from Labour members. Darren Jones, the chief secretary and senior Cabinet Office minister, told the Telegraph that the benefits bill is "unsustainable in the long run", hinting at potential future battles.
Starmer's plans for a new digital ID system, unveiled at a centre-left leaders' conference in London, will also likely face scrutiny. Senior Labour figures are expected to announce details of a fresh tranche of "New Towns" during the event.
Sources used: "Guardian", "Times", "Telegraph", "PA" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
