Keir Starmer attacks Greens ahead of crucial byelection
SIR Keir Starmer launched a final offensive against the Green Party, branding their policies “disgusting” as he faces a critical byelection battle in Gorton and Denton, Manchester, reports BritPanorama.
The Prime Minister criticized the Greens’ stance on drug legalisation, stating their proposals would permit the use of heroin and cocaine. His comments came during Prime Minister’s Questions, where he described the Green Party’s policies as not only irresponsible but also “reprehensible.”
With voters heading to the polls tomorrow, Starmer emphasized the potential dangers, referencing his own family: “As the father of a 17-and-a-half-year-old son, the idea that once he turns 18 it could be lawful for him to be given heroin and crack cocaine is absolutely disgusting.”
Green candidate Hannah Spencer has previously suggested that “decriminalising is a conversation we need to have,” highlighting the party’s intent to explore drug reform further.
In addition to his focus on the Greens, the Prime Minister directed criticism at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, demanding an apology for “death threats” directed at Labour MP Natalie Fleet. A post from Reform’s deputy leader in Lancashire included a troubling comment about Fleet that Starmer condemned as unacceptable.
Starmer criticized Farage, stating he lacked the “decency or backbone” to renounce the aggressive comments made by his party member. Furthermore, he denounced Reform’s candidate for Gorton and Denton, Matt Goodwin, for making inflammatory remarks regarding race and identity.
The Labour Party has mobilized hundreds of activists and deployed a battle bus to the constituency in a bid to support their candidate, Councillor Angeliki Stogia. The campaign has particularly focused on discrediting Farage, with messaging recalling his past claims about NHS funding.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown also made a rare intervention, urging constituents to back Labour in this critical election. Initial polling data indicates that the Green candidate is currently favoured, representing a significant shift in dynamics in what was once a Labour stronghold.
In the 2024 election, Labour secured the seat with a majority of 13,413 votes. However, the mounting scandals facing the party have raised concerns over Starmer’s leadership, with party officials warning that a byelection loss could jeopardize his position.
As the election approaches, the implications of voter decisions in Gorton and Denton may resonate beyond local politics, reflecting broader challenges within the UK’s party landscape.
This situation exemplifies the complexities of maintaining political support in a rapidly evolving electoral environment, where shifts in opinion can signal deeper underlying trends in the electorate’s priorities.
