Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that racism is re-emerging in British politics, saying divisive rhetoric from the far right is making people feel very scared.
Speaking with the media on Tuesday, Starmer accused Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party of reviving the racist and divisive politics Britain had thought it had overcome decades ago.
He warned that such toxic narratives were “tearing our country apart” and undermining national unity.
The prime minister also gave his clearest signal yet that the controversial two-child benefit cap may be lifted in the upcoming Budget, calling the policy a driver of child poverty.
“I am personally committed to driving down child poverty,” he said, pointing to free school meals, breakfast clubs, and expanded childcare as steps already taken, while stressing that more needs to be done.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves echoed the sentiment, saying “a child should not be penalised because their parents don’t have very much money.”
Reports suggest ministers are preparing to scrap the cap entirely, a move estimated to cost £3.5 billion by 2029–30.
Starmer contrasted Labour’s vision of patriotic national renewal with what he called “the toxic division of Reform and the far right.”
He urged Britons to stand against racism and uphold values of tolerance and compassion.
His remarks followed Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s recent warning that an ugly racism reminiscent of the 1970s had become socially acceptable again, with minority NHS staff often bearing the brunt of abuse.
