Keir Starmer targets Reform UK with patriotic pitch at Labour conference

At Labour’s conference in Liverpool, Keir Starmer launched a fierce critique of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, emphasising patriotic unity and unveiling policy shifts aimed at consolidating Labour’s appeal amidst economic and internal challenges.

At the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a speech aimed at confronting the rise of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party and uniting his own party amidst growing internal and external challenges. Starmer sharply criticised Farage, accusing him of promoting a divisive and morally questionable agenda that undermines British unity. He described Farage as a “snake oil merchant” who “doesn’t even like Britain,” framing his own vision as one of inclusive patriotic renewal that rejects the grievance-driven politics embraced by Reform UK. Starmer appealed directly to working-class voters to reject narratives of decline and division, emphasising Labour as the genuine patriotic party prepared to defend the Union flag and national pride.

Starmer’s remarks came against a backdrop of slipping approval ratings and economic difficulties that have tested public and party confidence since Labour’s landslide victory in 2024. Inflation remains high and economic growth weak, limiting the government’s fiscal room and causing friction within Labour ranks over spending and policy priorities. The prime minister faces internal scrutiny as figures like Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham gain prominence, advocating for bolder social measures and critiquing the party leadership’s cautious tone. While Burnham’s calls for greater openness and progressive policies resonated in the conference audience, Starmer dismissed leadership challenge speculation as part of normal political dissent, urging his party to stop “navel-gazing” and focus on the real challenge posed by Reform UK’s rise.

A key policy signal at the conference was the indication that Labour plans to lift the controversial two-child benefit cap, a welfare restriction imposed by the previous Conservative government. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is reported to be preparing for its removal or significant modification in the forthcoming November budget, a move that could reduce child poverty by hundreds of thousands but also costs billions of pounds. This shift reflects Labour’s balancing act between fulfilling campaign promises to improve living standards and managing fiscal responsibility amid economic constraints. Reeves also unveiled plans to combat long-term youth unemployment by guaranteeing paid work for young Universal Credit recipients, another effort to address social issues while maintaining commitments to fiscal discipline.

Starmer’s speech strategically positioned Labour as a patriotic party that values secure borders and industry while condemning racism and violent extremism—a clear contrast to the anti-immigration rhetoric identified with Farage, which Starmer claims sows division and moral decay. Supporters within Labour viewed the speech as a necessary rallying call to counter the populist right’s appeal, while critics argued Starmer must now translate words into tangible economic and social policies to restore confidence. His focus on national symbols and unity seeks to reclaim working-class support lost to Reform UK and reassure voters unsettled by recent political turmoil, including high-profile resignations and ambassadorial dismissals.

Despite the determined tone, Labour’s internal divisions remain evident. Andy Burnham’s criticisms highlighted a yearning within parts of the party for more radical change, including proposals for higher taxes on the wealthy and nationalisation, challenging Starmer’s centrist fiscal approach. With local elections imminent and the next general election not due until 2029, Labour’s leadership must navigate a path that reconciles its diverse factions, addresses the country’s economic challenges, and counters the rising populism represented by Reform UK.

In summary, Starmer’s conference speech marked a strategic effort to reassert Labour’s identity against both external political threats and internal discord. His critique of Farage and embrace of patriotic themes aim to draw a clear battle line for the next general election, while policy shifts on welfare and employment signal an attempt to address pressing social issues. However, ongoing economic uncertainty and leadership tensions underscore the challenges ahead as Labour seeks to consolidate its position.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative is current, with the latest developments reported within the past week. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 27 May 2025, when Reform UK leader Nigel Farage pledged to scrap the two-child benefit cap and reverse winter fuel cuts. ([itv.com](https://www.itv.com/news/2025-05-27/farage-pledges-to-scrap-two-child-benefit-cap-and-reverse-winter-fuel-cut?utm_source=openai)) The narrative includes updated data, such as the planned removal of the two-child benefit cap in the forthcoming November budget, reflecting recent policy shifts. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-reeves-scrap-two-child-cap-benefits-payments-guardian-reports-2025-09-30/?utm_source=openai)) However, some content appears republished across multiple outlets, which may indicate recycled material. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. No similar content was found published more than 7 days earlier. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.

Quotes check

Score:
9

Notes:
Direct quotes from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Finance Minister Rachel Reeves are present. The earliest known usage of these quotes is from the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, reported on 30 September 2025. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-starmer-says-firm-fair-decisions-needed-control-debt-2025-09-30/?utm_source=openai)) No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating originality. No variations in quote wording were noted.

Source reliability

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organisations, including the BBC, Reuters, and AP News, which are known for their journalistic standards and credibility. The narrative also references official statements from government ministers, further enhancing its reliability.

Plausability check

Score:
9

Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with recent political developments. The narrative is covered by multiple reputable outlets, including the BBC, Reuters, and AP News, indicating corroboration. The report includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates. The language and tone are consistent with typical political reporting in the UK. No excessive or off-topic detail unrelated to the claim is present. The tone is appropriately formal and consistent with official statements.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is current, with recent updates and original quotes from reputable sources. It aligns with recent political developments and is corroborated by multiple reputable outlets. No significant issues were identified in terms of freshness, originality, or plausibility.