Keir Starmer has pledged to fight Farage as Labour during a heated private meeting with party MPs. The prime minister faced sharp criticism over his migration speech, welfare cuts, and Labour’s overall political strategy. The meeting reflected growing tension inside the party as it prepares for future elections.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP), Starmer warned that Nigel Farage and Reform UK now pose the main threat to Labour’s success. He told MPs that Labour has a “moral responsibility” to stop Farage from gaining power. Starmer vowed to expose Reform UK’s record and directly challenge its platform.
“We will take the fight to him. We will fight Farage as Labour,” Starmer said. He accused Farage of failing working people and siding with policies that harm British jobs and services. He called Reform UK a “state-slashing, NHS-privatising” force with no solutions for ordinary voters.
Starmer’s remarks followed internal backlash over his recent speech on migration. Many MPs were outraged by the use of the phrase “island of strangers.” One demanded the dismissal of the speechwriter responsible. Others said the tone undermined Labour’s values and alienated key voter groups.
The meeting also revealed wider dissatisfaction. MPs raised concerns about cuts to disability benefits, lack of progress on Gaza, and growing discontent from LGBT+ communities. According to one MP, none of the 26 questions asked during the meeting were positive.
Starmer responded by highlighting Labour’s achievements. He cited job protection at Jaguar Land Rover, rising wages, and falling mortgage rates. He also listed key policies such as GB Energy, breakfast clubs, and nationalised railways. “These are the things working people care about. Farage supports none of them,” he said.
A newly elected MP from northern England warned that Labour could lose more votes to the Greens and Liberal Democrats than to Reform. She said local canvassing had revealed voter drift due to unclear messaging and tone.
Despite internal frustrations, Starmer reaffirmed his stance. He closed the meeting by repeating that Labour must unite and fight Farage as Labour—with policies that improve lives and reject division.
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