Sir Keir Starmer has sharply criticized Nigel Farage, stating that the Reform UK leader does not believe in Britain and thrives on pessimism, as Starmer delivered his keynote speech at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid heightened tensions within the party and challenges to his leadership, reports BritPanorama.
Starmer condemned Farage for promoting false promises and a narrative of grievance instead of supporting a positive vision for Britain’s future. He cautioned against “snake oil merchants” who offer “quick fixes” and “miracle cures” that lead to societal “ruin” and “chaos”.
“We can all see these snake oil merchants, on the right, on the left, but be in no doubt, conference, none of them have any interest in national renewal, because decline is good for their business,” he expressed emphatically. Starmer challenged the audience, asking, “When was the last time you heard Nigel Farage say anything positive about Britain’s future?”
Starmer characterized Farage’s rhetoric as detrimental, stating, “He can’t. He doesn’t like Britain, doesn’t believe in Britain, wants you to doubt it as much as he does.” He criticized those who seek to turn Britain’s proud legacy into a competition of victimhood, defining the country as “a tolerant, pragmatic, reasonable country” that he aims to protect.
The Prime Minister’s speech arrives at a critical juncture. Following Andy Burnham’s assertion of a “climate of fear” within the Labour Party, Starmer faces scrutiny of his leadership amid ongoing strong polling for Reform UK, which increases pressure on Labour regarding its commitments on tax and immigration.
Earlier in the week, Starmer labeled Farage’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain as “racist,” a sentiment echoed by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who described it as “worse than racist” and “immoral.”
In response, Farage is expected to accuse Labour of inciting violence against his party during a speech scheduled for later today, claiming that the safety of his candidates and activists has been jeopardized by the current government’s rhetoric against them. This address will take place shortly after Starmer’s keynote speech at the conference.
