Overview

• In Liverpool, Keir Starmer called the contest a fight for the country's soul, accusing Nigel Farage’s Reform UK of sowing division and promising to defend a tolerant, respectful Britain.
• Polling shows a severe slump for Labour, with Ipsos reporting 73% dissatisfied with Starmer and multiple surveys putting Reform UK ahead by a clear margin.
• Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiled tougher migration plans, including a longer route to permanent residency and conditions such as steady employment, volunteering and no welfare claims.
• The address followed weeks of turmoil that included Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s resignation, speculation around Andy Burnham as an alternative leader and public criticism from the Unite union.
• Protests around the conference brought thousands of demonstrators and dozens of arrests, while weak growth, higher unemployment and stubborn inflation continue to undercut the government.