Overview

• In multiple interviews, the prime minister said he does not believe Nigel Farage or Reform voters are racist, stressing he was condemning a single immigration policy he argues would deport lawful residents and tear the country apart.
• Starmer linked the Channel small-boat crossings to Brexit, dubbing them “Farage boats” and asserting the loss of EU returns arrangements worsened the situation.
• Reform’s policy chief Zia Yusuf accused Starmer of inciting violence and claimed Farage’s official protection was cut by 75%, saying donors have stepped in; the Commons and Home Office said security decisions are independent and risk‑based and declined to discuss specifics.
• Rejecting claims he endangered opponents, Starmer vowed to “fight” Reform and framed the next contest as a choice between national renewal and what he calls divisive politics.
• Deputy PM David Lammy appeared to row back on a remark about Farage and the Hitler Youth, as media reports cited new polling showing Reform surging, including a More in Common projection of major seat gains if a vote were held now.