Labour Leader Keir Starmer Calls for Unity Against Reform UK Ahead of Crucial Conference

Labour Party's Keir Starmer Urges Unity Against Reform UK Ahead of Annual Conference In a bid to boost morale and rally support ahead of the 2029 general election, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer called for unity among party members at the annual conference in Liverpool on Sunday. The centre-left party trails far behind anti-immigration right-wing Reform UK in national polls. Starmer framed the conference as an opportunity to reset and refocus efforts, stating, "We've got the fight of our lives ahead of us... Now is not the time for introspection." He emphasized the need to beat Reform UK, which has gained significant traction among voters dissatisfied with Labour's handling of immigration issues. In a BBC interview, Starmer defended his government's record on tackling illegal immigration while criticizing Reform leader Nigel Farage's proposal to deport refugees lawfully resident in Britain. "It is a completely different thing to say we are going to reach into people who are lawfully here and start removing them," he said. "I do think that it's a racist policy, I do think it is immoral, and it needs to be called out for what it is." The Labour leader's comments come as the party struggles to regain ground in national polls. According to recent surveys, nearly four out of five Brits express dissatisfaction with Starmer's leadership. Background and Context The annual Labour Party conference has become a crucial platform for the centre-left party to showcase its vision and policies ahead of the next general election. With Reform UK gaining momentum among voters concerned about immigration, Labour faces an uphill battle to regain support. Additional Perspectives Critics argue that Starmer's emphasis on unity may not be enough to address the deep-seated issues within the party. "While unity is essential, it's equally important for the party to acknowledge its mistakes and learn from them," said a Labour Party insider who wished to remain anonymous. Current Status and Next Developments The Labour Party conference will continue through the week, with key policy announcements expected on immigration, healthcare, and economic reform. As the party seeks to regain ground in national polls, Starmer's leadership will face intense scrutiny from both within and outside the party. In a statement, a Reform UK spokesperson said: "We welcome Keir Starmer's recognition of the need for Labour to unite against our party. However, we remain committed to our policies, which prioritize the needs of British citizens over those of foreign nationals." The 2029 general election is expected to be one of the most closely contested in recent history, with both Labour and Reform UK vying for voter support. As the campaign season heats up, Starmer's leadership will face increasing pressure to deliver results. Byline Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has urged unity among party members ahead of the annual conference in Liverpool, emphasizing the need to beat anti-immigration right-wing Reform UK in national polls. *Reporting by Dw.*