Keir Starmer Says Reform UK Uses Divisive Language

Labour leader Keir Starmer has strongly criticized Reform UK, saying their words are divisive and harmful. He is concerned about comments made by a Reform MP regarding the people shown in TV advertisements. Starmer believes this kind of talk can hurt the country.
By Newsroom | Politics, United Kingdom |

The political landscape is marked by a notable increase in sharp accusations, with Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, directly confronting Reform UK over what he labels as "racist rhetoric." This contention has surfaced as a particular MP from Reform UK has stood by remarks made about the demographics in television advertisements, sparking a debate that Starmer argues is divisive and harmful to the nation's social fabric.

Background: The Controversial Remarks and Starmer's Response

The present conflict stems from comments made by Sarah Pochin, a Reform UK MP, in October of the previous year. During a television appearance, she expressed that it "drives me mad when I see adverts full of Black people, full of Asian people, who are anything other than white." While acknowledging that some might find her comments racist, Pochin later stated that she believed many British TV advertisements had become "DEI mad" and were no longer representative of the broader British society.

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Starmer condemns Reform UK’s ‘racist rhetoric’ – UK politics live - 1

These remarks have been reignited by her recent stance, prompting a strong rebuke from Keir Starmer. He has accused Reform UK of promoting "racist rhetoric" and fostering division. This is not the first time Starmer has targeted Reform UK; in September of the previous year, he called their immigration policy "racist," and has previously warned that such hard-right politics were "tearing our country apart." He has drawn parallels between the current political climate and past struggles against divisive ideologies, recalling his efforts to confront the British National Party (BNP) over a decade ago.

Accusations of Divisive Messaging

  • Starmer's repeated use of the term "racist rhetoric" indicates a deliberate strategy to associate Reform UK with divisive and exclusionary politics. He asserts that their approach lacks concrete solutions to national challenges and instead relies on creating a "smokescreen of hate and division."

  • The Labour leader has contrasted his party's values with those he attributes to Reform UK, stating, "My Labour government will always choose the other path - the one that celebrates our reasonable, tolerant and diverse country."

  • Further escalating the rhetoric, Starmer has also condemned remarks by businessman Jim Ratcliffe, who claimed the UK was being "colonised by immigrants." Starmer deemed these comments "offensive and wrong" and called for an apology.

Evidence of Starmer's Stance

Multiple reports detail Keir Starmer's firm position against what he perceives as divisive rhetoric from Reform UK and associated figures.

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Starmer condemns Reform UK’s ‘racist rhetoric’ – UK politics live - 2

"Keir Starmer has accused Reform UK of promoting a 'racist rhetoric' after one of its MPs went on a controversial rant over the race of people used in adverts last year." (Huffington Post)

"Prime Minister Condemns Reform's 'Smokescreen of Hate and Division' MP's Controversial Comments Spark Widespread Condemnation…" (Britbrief)

"Starmer hit back at Ratcliffe, saying his remarks were 'offensive and wrong', calling for him to apologise and describing the UK as a 'proud, tolerant and diverse country'." (BBC News)

"Reform’s ‘racist rhetoric’ is tearing Britain apart, claims Starmer." (The Telegraph)

The consistent use of terms like "racist rhetoric" and "hate and division" by Starmer signifies a calculated political attack on Reform UK's messaging and its perceived impact on national unity.

The Broader Political Context

These exchanges occur against a backdrop of significant political developments and public sentiment.

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Starmer condemns Reform UK’s ‘racist rhetoric’ – UK politics live - 3

Reform UK's Growing Influence

Reform UK has seen a surge in support, particularly among working-class voters. Opinion polls have indicated a comfortable double-digit lead for the party, often attributed to concerns over immigration, both legal and illegal. This rise in popularity places added pressure on established parties like Labour and the Conservatives.

  • Nigel Farage, a prominent figure associated with Reform UK, has himself been a target of criticism. He has pushed back against Starmer's accusations, with his response to the "racist" policy claims being described as "silly and shrill" by some, while others noted that his party had enjoyed significant support.

  • The debate around immigration has intensified, with several politicians, including Andy Burnham and Ed Davey, joining Starmer in condemning controversial remarks, while figures like Nigel Farage and Liz Truss have offered support to those making such statements.

Internal Labour Party Dynamics

  • There are indications of internal pressure within the Labour Party, with some union bosses expressing concerns that Starmer's leadership style is inadvertently aiding Reform UK's growth. This comes as the party prepares for upcoming electoral contests.

  • Starmer has urged Labour MPs to unite against Reform UK, emphasizing the stakes involved in areas where the parties are seen as direct competitors.

Economic and Social Concerns

The discourse also touches upon broader economic issues. Jim Ratcliffe's comments, which Starmer has strongly condemned, linked high migration and reliance on benefits to damage to the economy. These economic anxieties are frequently cited as drivers for the public's attention to immigration and the support for parties like Reform UK.

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Starmer condemns Reform UK’s ‘racist rhetoric’ – UK politics live - 4

Analysis of Reform UK's Messaging

The specific comments made by Sarah Pochin regarding advertising demographics have become a focal point for Starmer's critique.

  • Pochin's justification, that advertisements are "DEI mad" and unrepresentative, suggests a perception among some that diversity initiatives have gone too far, leading to a feeling of exclusion among the white population.

  • However, Starmer and others view this as a veiled expression of racial bias. The argument is that such statements, even if framed as commentary on representation, tap into and amplify existing racial anxieties and prejudices.

"If Reform had any shame whatsoever, they would have dealt with these vile remarks long ago." (Huffington Post, quoting Starmer)

The accusation that Reform UK has not adequately addressed or condemned these remarks, despite their re-emergence, strengthens Starmer's claim of their complicity in promoting divisive rhetoric.

Conclusion: Intensifying Political Confrontation

The recent exchanges between Keir Starmer and Reform UK underscore a deepening political divide. Starmer's persistent labeling of Reform UK's rhetoric as "racist" and "divisive" serves as a direct challenge to the party's growing influence. His focus on these themes appears aimed at galvanizing his own party and drawing a clear distinction between Labour's vision of a "tolerant and diverse country" and the exclusionary narratives he attributes to Reform UK.

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The situation is further complicated by public concerns over immigration and economic pressures, which have provided fertile ground for parties like Reform UK. The coming period will likely see continued confrontation, with both sides seeking to mobilize their support bases by framing the national discourse on immigration, identity, and social cohesion. The implications of these escalating accusations for future electoral outcomes and the broader social fabric of the UK remain a subject of considerable observation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Keir Starmer say about Reform UK?
Keir Starmer said that Reform UK uses divisive language that could be harmful. He called it 'racist rhetoric'.
Q: Why did Starmer say this?
He was reacting to comments made by a Reform UK MP about the race of people shown in TV advertisements. The MP stood by her remarks.
Q: What is Starmer worried about?
He is worried that this kind of talk creates division and is not good for the country's social unity.
Q: Is this the first time Starmer has criticized Reform UK?
No, Starmer has previously called Reform UK's immigration policy 'racist' and warned that their politics could harm the country.