Overview

• Keir Starmer launched Labour's local election campaign, focusing on healthcare reforms and addressing NHS challenges inherited from the previous government.
• Starmer accused Reform UK and its leader Nigel Farage of 'fawning over Putin' and criticized the party's stance on workers' rights and NHS privatization.
• Labour highlighted its negotiation of a pay deal for doctors, claiming it avoided significant NHS disruptions caused by strikes under the previous government.
• Reform UK remains a strong contender in the upcoming elections despite internal controversies, including leadership disputes and criticism of Farage's comments on Russia and NATO.
• Donald Trump's announcement of global tariffs overshadowed Labour's campaign launch, with Starmer acknowledging potential economic impacts on the UK while opposing retaliatory measures.