Britain’s political stage heated up this weekend as Prime Minister Keir Starmer came under fire for branding the Reform Party’s immigration proposals “racist.”
The comments sparked accusations that Starmer was insulting millions of voters concerned about the country’s borders, as he positioned Labour against Nigel Farage’s controversial plans to overhaul residency rules.
Farage pushed back sharply, calling the Prime Minister’s remarks an “insult” to those who want stricter immigration controls.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said, “Starmer thinks anyone here on a time-limited visa should be allowed to stay forever.
Labour dismisses border concerns and labels anyone who shares them as racist.”
Reform Party’s Surge Forces Labour Into Defensive Mode
Recent polling has suggested Reform is gaining momentum, and Starmer’s aggressive rhetoric reflects Labour’s anxiety.
Farage noted that Labour’s attacks over the weekend were directly linked to his party’s rising support, highlighting the political pressure on the Prime Minister to respond to public concern over migration.
Inside Labour, opinions are divided. While senior figures publicly backed Starmer’s tough stance, some privately worried the approach could backfire.
One source remarked that ordinary voters might perceive the PM’s comments as a personal attack on their views, rather than a critique of Reform policy.
Starmer Denounces Farage’s Immigration Plan
During interviews, Starmer insisted that Farage’s proposals would “rip this country apart.”
He differentiated between removing illegal migrants, which he supports, and targeting people lawfully in the UK.
“They are our neighbours,” he emphasized, describing Reform’s plan as both immoral and, in his view, racist.
Reform’s proposals would end indefinite leave to remain for many migrants, require new visas with stricter conditions, and cut access to benefits.
Those unable to secure new visas could face deportation, even after years in the UK. Starmer argued this approach was extreme and harmful to communities.
Critics Say Starmer Links Concern About Immigration With Racism
Although Starmer claimed he was addressing policy rather than voters, critics accused him of equating concerns about migration with racism.
Reform’s policy chief, Zia Yusuf, said Labour’s messaging implied that ordinary citizens who worry about immigration would be branded racist if they disagreed with government policies.
Conservative MP Nick Timothy echoed the sentiment, arguing that Starmer’s comments revealed a disdain for voters who raise legitimate concerns about immigration’s impact.
Labour Leaders Clash Over Strategy
Within Labour, debate continues over how the party should handle immigration politically.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to unveil tougher rules on indefinite leave to remain, while deputy leadership hopeful Lucy Powell stressed that migration should not be blamed for the country’s broader social and economic issues.
“We’ve got to absolutely reject the notion that all the ills of this country are caused by migration,” Powell said, urging a nuanced approach.
Party Figures Attack Farage While Defending Labour Values
At Labour’s conference in Liverpool, senior figures doubled down on criticism of Reform.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy called Farage’s policies “small-minded and narrow,” Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar labeled them “gutter politics,” and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens questioned the party’s competence.
Meanwhile, Attorney General Lord Hermer defended the European Convention on Human Rights against Farage-inspired criticism, arguing that populist far-right messaging has distorted public perception of legal protections.
Starmer Pushes Back Against Internal Critics
Amid growing scrutiny, Starmer refused to rule out future tax increases and asked internal critics to “stop navel-gazing” so he could focus on governing.
Despite the attacks on Reform, Labour polling shows challenges remain, with many voters perceiving the party as less patriotic despite the PM’s promise of a “patriotic renewal.”
Looking Ahead: Immigration Policy in Focus
As the election approaches, immigration policy is likely to remain a flashpoint.
Starmer’s strong rhetoric against Reform reflects both political strategy and genuine concern over the impact of mass migration, but the approach risks alienating voters who feel their border concerns are being dismissed or labeled as racist.
Meanwhile, Farage continues to leverage public unease, positioning his party as the alternative for those seeking stricter control.