Sir Keir Starmer has launched a fierce attack on Reform UK, claiming the party wants to "tear our country apart" as Labour prepares for its conference in Liverpool. The Prime Minister faces mounting pressure with his party trailing behind Nigel Farage's Reform in recent opinion polls.
Starmer described Reform's plans to remove indefinite leave to remain for legal migrants as "one of the most shocking things" the party had proposed. During a visit to the Liverpool Echo's office, he said the policy showed "just how divisive they are" and warned their politics would damage the country.
The Labour leader arrived at the conference centre with his wife Lady Victoria, describing the gathering as a "really big opportunity" to present an alternative to Reform's approach. He positioned Labour as offering "patriotic national renewal" against what he called the "toxic divide and decline" from Reform.
Reform threat dominates agenda
Recent YouGov polling has placed Farage as the most likely politician to become the next prime minister, with Reform on track to win the most parliamentary seats if an election were held today. The stark polling figures have intensified pressure within Labour ranks about the party's direction under Starmer's leadership.
In comments to the Guardian, Starmer issued a rallying cry against Reform, declaring: "History will not forgive us if we do not use every ounce of our energy to fight Reform." He described the party as "an enemy" with "a project which is detrimental to our country" that goes against Britain's historical values.
Labour chairwoman Anna Turley acknowledged the party had faced "quite a challenging couple of weeks" but suggested many MPs were frustrated with colleagues already attempting to undermine Starmer's leadership. Speculation continues about a potential challenge from Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.
Economic policies take centre stage
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has suggested new policies could reduce the need for tax rises in the upcoming budget. She told The Times she wants the Office for Budget Responsibility to include a youth mobility scheme and improved EU trading relationship in its economic forecasts.
The proposed youth mobility scheme would allow young people from the UK to work, study and live in Europe for extended periods, with reciprocal arrangements for Europeans. Reeves described it as "good for the economy, good for growth and good for business", though reports suggest it could allow 50,000 Europeans annually to live in the UK.
Senior Labour figures are meanwhile expected to set out details of a fresh tranche of "New Towns" at the conference. The announcements represent part of the party's broader economic growth strategy.
Benefits debate intensifies
Ahead of the conference, several Liverpool MPs joined calls to end the two-child benefit cap, describing it as "one of the most significant drivers of child poverty in Britain today". The policy debate represents one of several areas where ministers could face challenges from Labour members during the conference.
Among those who have previously called for the cap to be scrapped is Lucy Powell, the former Commons leader who is the frontrunner in the race to become the next Labour deputy leader. Labour MPs previously forced a U-turn on Starmer's plans to cut the benefits bill earlier this year.
Darren Jones, the Prime Minister's chief secretary, hinted at potential future battles over welfare spending, telling The Telegraph that the benefits bill is "unsustainable in the long run". Starmer's plans for a new digital ID system, unveiled at a centre-left leaders' conference on Friday, will also likely face scrutiny from delegates.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
