LIVERPOOL, England (AP) – Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to address a critical crossroad for Britain during his upcoming speech, emphasizing a choice between "decency and division." This statement aims to reset his government in the face of increasing support for the hard-right party Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage.
Starmer will convey to the center-left Labour Party that the nation faces "a fight for the soul of our country" as he confronts low approval ratings, a sluggish economic backdrop, and the growing challenge posed by Farage. He is expected to declare, "Britain stands at a fork in the road. We can choose decency or we can choose division. Renewal or decline," highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Since Labour's decisive victory in the July 2024 election, the party's popularity has markedly declined. Promises for economic growth remain unfulfilled as inflation continues to surge, creating a challenging environment for reviving public services and alleviating the rising cost of living. Treasury chief Rachel Reeves warned of the effects of global issues, such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which have resulted in tough economic decisions in the upcoming budget.
The Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool, themed "Renew Britain," is primarily focused on strategizing against the Reform Party's agenda. In recent months, Farage's party has consistently outperformed Labour and the Conservative Party in opinion polls, despite holding only five seats in the 650-member House of Commons. Farage's anti-establishment rhetoric, particularly regarding immigration, resonates with a segment of the electorate increasingly frustrated by the arrival of migrants crossing the English Channel.
Farage has pledged to deport all individuals arriving by small boats and plans to further restrict rights for many legal residents in the UK. In response to these proposals, Starmer has labeled them as "racist" and "immoral," criticizing Farage's approach as fostering a culture of grievance that divides communities. Additionally, a recent march organized by anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson drew significant attention by attracting over 100,000 demonstrators in London.
In his forthcoming speech, Starmer will emphasize that the route to renewal will not be straightforward, asserting, "It is a test... A fight for the soul of our country, every bit as big as rebuilding Britain after the war." Although there is no obligation for Labour to call elections until 2029, discussions about leadership succession within the party have surfaced, particularly if the upcoming local and regional elections prove to be unfavorable.
One possible challenger to Starmer could be Andy Burnham, the popular Labour mayor of Manchester, who has expressed that the party is "in peril" and requires a change in direction. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a supporter of Starmer, believes that the party does not need a new leader but should enhance its narrative about its objectives. Khan remarked, "I hope in Keir's speech … he will tell a story about the country we are and the country we want to see."
Labour's challenges echo those faced by established political parties worldwide, as they contend with rising populist movements. Political analyst John Curtice from the University of Strathclyde noted the growing pessimism among voters. Though Starmer has been commended for his pragmatic handling of significant issues like the Ukraine war and relations with the Trump administration, he is noted for struggling to inspire optimism. Curtis stated, "To change the mood of the country, you need to do more than change the reality. You also have to influence perception."
