Prime Minister's Strong Condemnation
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unequivocally condemned Reform UK's immigration proposals, labeling them as 'racist and immoral'. The strong remarks were made during a live interview on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, coinciding with the opening day of the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
During the interview, Starmer stated, 'Well, I do think that it is a racist policy. I do think it is immoral. It needs to be called out for what it is.' He emphasized that while he supports removing illegal migrants, targeting those lawfully settled in the UK is a 'completely different thing' that would 'rip this country apart'.
Details of Reform UK's Immigration Proposals
The criticism from the Prime Minister specifically targets Reform UK's recently announced immigration policies. Key aspects of these proposals include:
- Abolishing the right of migrants to qualify for permanent settlement in the UK after five years.
- Requiring those who have already been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to re-apply under much stricter rules.
- Banning anyone who is not a UK citizen from claiming benefits.
- Forcing those applying for UK citizenship to renounce other citizenship.
Reform UK's plan to scrap ILR could impact hundreds of thousands of people who have legally resided and worked in the UK, including those who have established families.
Starmer's Rationale and Political Context
Starmer clarified that his condemnation was directed at the policy itself, rather than suggesting that Reform UK voters are racist. He acknowledged that many individuals considering voting for Reform UK are 'frustrated' by what they perceive as 14 years of Conservative failure and a desire for quicker change.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of national unity, arguing that policies targeting lawfully settled individuals, who are 'our neighbours' and 'people who work in our economy', undermine the country's fabric. He positioned the debate as a 'fight about who we are as a country' and the 'soul of our future'.
Reform UK's Response
In response to Starmer's accusations, Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's head of policy, issued a statement. Yusuf suggested that Labour's message implied a choice between 'pay hundreds of billions for foreign nationals to live off the state forever or Labour will call you racist.' He reiterated Reform UK's stance that their plan aims to ensure only British people can access welfare and that migrants contribute to society.
The exchange marks a significant escalation in the political discourse surrounding immigration as the Labour Party conference begins, with Starmer urging his party to unite against the rising populist challenge posed by Reform UK.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
Politicians always play the race card when they have no real solutions.
Ongania
Reform UK highlights real public anxieties about national resources and welfare, but the proposed measures seem overly harsh for people who have built lives here. A more balanced approach is surely possible.
Fuerza
Calling policies 'immoral' can be a powerful statement, but it risks polarising the debate further when complex immigration issues require nuanced policy. We need to address both the humanitarian and economic aspects thoughtfully.
Manolo Noriega
Finally, someone with a backbone to call out this hateful rhetoric!
Fuerza
While Starmer's concern for lawfully settled individuals is valid, many voters are genuinely frustrated with current immigration levels. Both sides need to offer practical solutions, not just accusations.