Overview

• Starmer cast the moment as a “defining choice” between national renewal and division, branding Reform UK the “enemy of national renewal.”
• He said Nigel Farage “doesn’t like Britain” and is selling “snake oil”; Farage rejected the attack as a disgrace and vowed to “teach Starmer a lesson” at next May’s local elections.
• On immigration, Starmer argued border control is a reasonable goal but said rhetoric that incites racist violence crosses a “moral line” and is criminal.
• Policy shifts included scrapping the 50% university target in favor of a two‑thirds degree‑or‑apprenticeship goal and confirming plans for an NHS online hospital, as he ruled out a wealth tax.
• With polls putting Labour behind Reform and a tight November budget ahead, Starmer warned of difficult, uncomfortable choices; Angela Rayner nevertheless drew a standing ovation after resigning over unpaid stamp duty.