Starmer Denies Inciting Violence After Branding Farage an 'Enemy' in Blistering Opposition

Liverpool – Prime Minister Keir Starmer has forcefully denied that his comments put Reform UK activists at risk, after Nigel Farage accused him of, "inciting violence", with a blistering speech at the Labour Party conference.

The escalating war of words between the two party leaders has ignited British politics, framing the next election as a head-to-head battle for the nation's identity.

The feud erupted on Tuesday when Sir Keir used his keynote address to launch a gloves-off assault on the Reform UK leader, branding him an, "enemy", who, "hated Britain". The Prime Minister also labelled Reform’s proposal to axe Indefinite Leave to Remain and force migrants to reapply for visas after five years as, "racist".

In response, an incensed Mr. Farage claimed the Prime Minister's language was dangerous. "Sir Keir should feel ashamed", the Reform leader stated, warning that his words, "will incite and encourage the radical Left".

Speaking to Times Radio on Wednesday morning, Sir Keir flatly rejected the accusation. "No, it's not [inciting violence]", he told presenter Kate McCann. "What I was doing in the speech was being absolutely crystal clear that at the next election there is a different battle to be had, a different divide in our politics".

The Prime Minister framed the choice facing the country as one between his party's vision and that of his populist rival. "The divide will be Labour taking forward a patriotic national renewal programme where we fix our problems, change our country for the better", he said. "Or Reform and the toxic division and divide that will come that will rip our country apart".

The fierce exchange comes as a new poll highlights the significant threat Reform poses to Labour's grip on power. A survey from More in Common this week suggested that if an election were held tomorrow, Reform UK would win a staggering 373 seats, handing Mr. Farage a 96-seat majority larger than Boris Johnson’s 2019 landslide.

This political reality formed the backdrop for Sir Keir's combative conference speech, where he vowed to, "fight with every breath I have", to stop Mr. Farage. Pitching himself as a true patriot, he spoke of a Britain with, "the grit of the Lionesses, the swagger of Oasis, the strength of the Red Roses".

Mr. Farage hit back at the speech, warning that Labour would be "taught a lesson" in next year's election.

During his radio interview, Sir Keir also defended his leadership and asked the public for patience, just over a year after his party’s landslide victory. "Last year in July, the Labour Party won a landslide victory. I led them to that victory", he said. "I therefore intend to carry out the mandate we were given... which is to change the country".

He added: "What I am saying is it was never going to be possible to fix all of the problems of the last 14 years in 12 short months".

The bitter clash has dominated Labour’s four-day gathering in Liverpool, firmly placing the personal and ideological struggle between Starmer and Farage at the centre of British politics.