This move comes before Labour’s conference, amid growing pressure on Starmer from within his party. There have been concerns that Starmer hasn’t mounted a strong enough attack against Reform UK and the increasing levels of racism in Britain.
In his upcoming speech, Starmer is expected to declare the UK is at a crossroads, with the government leading the fight against “decline and division”.
The speech, which will be delivered alongside other progressive world leaders, aims to allay concerns among Labour MP’s and party members that Labour’s challenge to Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage, has been lackluster, focusing more on the practical aspects rather than moral objections.
Starmer aims to build an international coalition to combat the rise of right-wing populism, presenting a unified front on issues such as Ukraine and Gaza.
A Downing Street source stated the importance of addressing these issues, including concerns over immigration, indicating that ignoring these concerns would be a critical mistake for social democrats.
The speech is expected to set the tone for the Labour conference, marking a shift in strategy towards Farage. Previously, there had been reluctance to directly criticize controversial Reform proposals, such as plans for mass detention and deportation of migrants.
Starmer’s spokesperson described Farage’s immigration proposals as a choice between national renewal and division. However, other Labour MPs have directly condemned Farage’s plans, calling them “morally abhorrent” and a “cruel Trumpian policy”.
Senior sources suggest that Starmer has increased his engagement with MPs following recent tumult within the party, including several resignations. The upcoming speech will be Starmer’s first public confrontation with Farage’s policies.
Despite criticism, Starmer believes the government has actively championed progressive policies, such as investments in green energy and workers’ rights.
Starmer has set the stage for this speech with an opinion piece in the Sun, calling the situation a “struggle for the heart and soul” of the nation, emphasizing the need to counteract hate and division.
MPs have expressed frustration with the slow response from No. 10 to nationalist and far-right activities, including a recent march that Starmer strongly condemned. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of the government’s stance against those who seek to exploit grievances for political gain.
