Starmer and Farage Exchange Heated Accusations at Labour Conference

During the Labour Party conference on September 30, 2025, tensions escalated between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, leading to a series of sharp personal attacks. Starmer accused Farage of being an “enemy” of Britain, which sparked a heated exchange that some commentators described as a descent into divisive political rhetoric.

In his keynote address in Liverpool, Starmer criticized Farage’s immigration policies, labeling them as “racist” and questioning his patriotism. The Prime Minister’s remarks came just days after he had expressed concerns over Labour’s previous handling of immigration issues, admitting the party had “patronised” voters for years. Starmer vowed to take voters’ concerns seriously moving forward.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy further intensified the atmosphere by making a controversial statement, suggesting that Farage had “flirted with the Hitler Youth.” Lammy later withdrew this comment, acknowledging he had no evidence to support it. This admission did little to quell the outrage, as Farage responded by claiming that Starmer’s rhetoric was inciting violence against him and his supporters.

Farage, who has faced multiple death threats, expressed his frustration in a column for the Daily Mail, stating, “Starmer is putting a target on my back.” He vowed to retaliate against Labour at the polls in the upcoming elections, promising to “teach Keir Starmer a lesson.” He criticized the Prime Minister for resorting to personal attacks instead of engaging in substantive policy discussions.

The Labour Party conference has been overshadowed by rising concerns about Reform UK’s increasing popularity in the polls. As Labour struggles to connect with voters, Starmer’s speech marked an attempt to reclaim the narrative by framing Reform’s policies as harmful to British communities. He asserted, “When was the last time you heard Nigel Farage say anything positive about Britain’s future?”

Starmer’s comments included accusations that Farage is “interested only in stoking the politics of grievance,” reinforcing a narrative that positions Labour as the party of national renewal. He emphasized the importance of unity and decency in British politics, stating, “We are at a fork in the road,” and called for a rejection of division.

Amid the heated exchanges, Labour’s leadership faces significant pressure. With critical elections approaching in Scotland, Wales, and various English councils in May 2026, some within the party worry that a poor performance could jeopardize Starmer’s leadership.

As the conference unfolded, Labour members rallied around a renewed patriotic message, with Starmer insisting that “Labour is the patriotic party.” This shift is intended to counter perceptions that Labour has been less nationalistic than its rivals. The Prime Minister’s remarks included a commitment to control migration while offering asylum to those genuinely fleeing persecution.

Continuing to address the immigration debate, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to tighten regulations around indefinite leave to remain, aiming to limit benefits access for new migrants. This approach aligns with Labour’s broader strategy to address public concerns about immigration, indicating a shift towards a more hardline stance.

As the political landscape shifts, both parties must navigate the intricate dynamics of public sentiment and policy effectiveness. The exchanges at the Labour conference highlight the growing polarization in British politics as parties attempt to secure voter support ahead of critical elections.