Starmer Frames UK Election as Choice Between ‘Decency’ and ‘Division,’ attacks Farage
LIVERPOOL – Labor leader Keir Starmer delivered a keynote speech at his party’s annual conference today,framing the upcoming general election as a defining moment for Britain - a choice between “decency or division.” Starmer launched a direct attack on Nigel Farage, describing him as a “snake-oil salesman” and condemning what he called Farage’s appeal to racial prejudice.
Starmer’s address centered on a vision of a patriotic,modern Britain,contrasting it sharply with what he portrayed as the divisive rhetoric of his opponents. He asserted Labour is now the “patriotic party” and aims to reclaim national symbols, referencing “the grit of the lionesses, the swagger of Oasis, the strength of the red Roses” as embodying British spirit. The speech also outlined key policy proposals and subtly rebuked internal critics.
The Labour leader strongly condemned any belief in British or English identity based on skin color, stating, “that’s racism… You are the enemy and we will fight you.” The remarks followed a series of similar criticisms from cabinet ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who was forced to backtrack after referencing Farage’s alleged past “flirtation with Hitler Youth” - allegations stemming from 2013 that Farage denies.
Starmer detailed several achievements of the current Labour government, including the nationalisation of British Steel, the abolition of zero-hours contracts, and the expansion of free school meals, echoing a similar approach taken by Gordon Brown in his 2009 conference speech. He announced a shift in higher education policy, proposing to replace the New Labour target of 50% university attendance with a goal of two-thirds pursuing either a degree or a “gold standard apprenticeship.” Ministers aim to increase participation in higher technical education and apprenticeships to at least 10% of young people by 2040, nearly doubling current figures.
Further policy announcements included confirmation of plans for an NHS online hospital service in England.
The speech also contained a veiled critique of Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, who had publicly questioned Starmer’s economic policies and reportedly faced encouragement from Labour MPs to challenge his leadership. Starmer warned against a “desire to avoid reality,” stating, ”A Labour party that cannot control spending is a Labour party that cannot govern in our times.” Burnham departed the conference venue before the speech concluded.
Nigel Farage responded to Starmer’s criticisms with a live broadcast, vowing to “teach Starmer a lesson next May that British political history will never forget” and accusing the Labour leader of endangering his campaigners by inciting the “radical left.”
