Labour leader Keir Starmer is under fire from both critics and colleagues after describing Nigel Farage’s immigration proposals as “racist.”
The comments, made during interviews ahead of Labour’s conference in Liverpool, have stirred controversy, with some party members and opposition figures questioning the choice of words.
Farage Hits Back at Prime Minister
Nigel Farage responded sharply, accusing Starmer of panicking over recent polls suggesting Labour is on course for No.10.
He called the comments an “insult” to millions of Brits concerned about immigration, arguing that Starmer was unfairly targeting those who want stricter border controls.
Labour Figures Split on Language
While Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended Starmer’s stance, calling the Reform policy “racist” in interviews with national broadcasters, London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed caution.
Speaking at a Labour fringe event, Khan said he would avoid using such a “loaded word” to describe Reform or its supporters, noting that many demonstrators who are concerned about immigration are “decent British people.”
Meanwhile, Lord Glasman, a ‘Blue Labour’ peer, described Starmer’s language as “pathetic” and “stupid,” emphasizing that Farage himself has opposed genuine racists within his party.
Tories have also criticized the comments, framing them as an unnecessary smear.
Starmer and Reeves Defend Their Position
Speaking to LBC, Reeves maintained that the Reform policy was “racist,” but clarified that it is possible to support the party without being racist.
She stressed the need to push back on the policy while acknowledging that people support the Reform party for different reasons.
Concerns Among Labour MPs
Even within Labour, some MPs privately expressed unease about the remarks.
One senior source noted that the language risked alienating voters who simply want tighter immigration controls, while another argued that clearer dividing lines on policy would have been more effective than personal attacks.
The Reform Policy Under Fire
The controversial policy would abolish “indefinite leave to remain” and require current holders to reapply under stricter rules.
Farage has argued this would save taxpayers billions, while critics highlight the impact on long-term residents, including those with British children.
Reform later announced exemptions for pensioners, Ukrainians, and Hong Kongers.
Starmer’s Continued Criticism
Starmer ramped up his rhetoric in a BBC interview, insisting that the policy “needs to be called out for what it is.”
Farage countered that the remarks insult those advocating for immigration controls, accusing Starmer of equating border management with racism.
Opposition Voices Join the Debate
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized Starmer’s approach, describing it as “smearing people as racist” simply for wanting controlled immigration.
He argued that supporting border controls is not inherently racist and that Starmer’s characterization misrepresents those concerned about the issue.
Historical Context
Starmer’s past work as a human rights lawyer has also come under scrutiny, with some recalling his previous writings that suggested immigration law can carry racial undertones.
This history adds another layer to the debate over his recent comments on Farage and Reform.