Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Reform UK’s plans to scrap Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for legal migrants, calling the proposals “racist” and “immoral” as Labour’s annual party conference began in Liverpool.
Speaking to the media, Starmer said Reform’s policy would tear the country apart, urging Labour members to unite against what he described as Nigel Farage’s divisive agenda.
He said, “We’ve got the fight of our lives ahead,” he warned, acknowledging the growing threat Reform poses to Labour in the polls.
Reform hit back quickly and Policy chief, Zia Yusuf accused Labour of prioritising migrants over taxpayers, saying: “Labour’s message to the country is clear,pay hundreds of billions for foreign nationals to live off the state forever, or Labour will call you racist.”
Meanwhile the row sharpened the dividing line Starmer wants to draw between Labour and Reform, but also exposed unease within his own party.
Some Labour MPs worry that speculation over his leadership could undermine the conference. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who has been outspoken in recent days, is due to appear at a packed fringe event later today.
Despite the tensions, Starmer insisted Labour must avoid the navel-gazing that he said had destroyed the Conservatives.
Yet polls showing Labour trailing Reform have fueled anxiety, with one backbencher quipping, “He makes Corbyn look loved.”
The conference, which will run through Tuesday, features key speeches from senior figures including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Starmer himself.
Starmer’s was said to denounce Reform’s migration plans, which he described as an attack on people “working in our hospitals, schools, and businesses or our neighbours.”
Reform maintains its proposals would ensure migrants contribute fully to British society, including through higher salary thresholds and regular visa renewals.
Meanwhile, climate activist Greta Thunberg also made headlines on Kuenssberg’s programme, speaking from a flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza. She accused Israel of enforcing an illegal and inhumane siege and dismissed alternative entry routes as ineffective.
Speaking about the risk Thunberg said: “I don’t think anyone would risk their life for a publicity stunt. Have you asked people in Gaza if they think it is?”
Israel has insisted it facilitates humanitarian aid in line with international law, and has repeatedly said flotillas will not be allowed to reach Gaza.
