Prime Minister Keir Starmer has delivered one of his strongest warnings yet about the rise of Reform UK, telling a group of Liverpool school pupils that the populist party’s policies are not only divisive but could threaten the social fabric of the United Kingdom. Speaking ahead of Labour’s annual conference, Starmer emphasised that while his government welcomes debate, he draws a clear line when political rhetoric veers into territory that undermines national unity.
The remarks come at a critical moment in British politics. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has been steadily climbing in polls over the last year, eating into both Conservative and Labour support. Starmer’s comments signal that the government views the party as more than a protest movement, but as a genuine destabilising force in a political landscape already under strain from economic pressures, regional inequalities, and cultural divisions.
The Setting: Labour’s Conference in Liverpool
Starmer’s comments were delivered as Labour’s annual conference opened in Liverpool, a city long associated with both political radicalism and resilience. In addressing pupils at the Liverpool Echo offices, the prime minister sought to highlight the responsibilities of leadership, underscoring his belief that leaders must bring people together rather than exploit fault lines.
The timing of his remarks was not accidental. With Labour enjoying a governing majority but facing pressure on multiple fronts—from inflation to climate policy to industrial unrest—Starmer used the platform to draw sharp contrasts between Labour’s priorities and those of Reform UK.
Reform UK’s Message and Momentum
Reform UK has been positioning itself as a voice for voters disillusioned with traditional politics, often invoking themes of sovereignty, immigration control, and what it calls “freedom from bureaucratic elites.” Polls suggest that its populist message has gained traction particularly among older voters, working-class communities outside major cities, and those who feel left behind by globalisation.
Critics, however, argue that the party’s positions oversimplify complex issues. Its emphasis on withdrawing from international agreements, rolling back climate commitments, and imposing stricter immigration controls has been described by analysts as not only impractical but potentially harmful to Britain’s long-term interests.
Starmer’s Strategy: Framing Reform as a National Threat
Starmer’s decision to confront Reform UK so directly is notable. Until recently, Labour leaders tended to avoid giving fringe or populist movements oxygen. However, with Farage’s party polling as high as 18% in some surveys, Starmer appears to have calculated that silence would be riskier than confrontation.
By framing Reform’s politics as capable of “tearing the country apart,” Starmer is seeking to tap into concerns that Britain’s already fragile social cohesion could deteriorate further. The country has endured years of political turbulence, from Brexit to pandemic management to cost-of-living crises. Analysts suggest Starmer is betting that voters—fatigued by conflict—will respond positively to a message of stability and unity.
The Historical Context of Populism in Britain
Populist movements are not new in British politics. From the UK Independence Party (UKIP) in the early 2010s to the Brexit Party in 2019, similar rhetoric has repeatedly found an audience. Reform UK, in many ways, represents the latest incarnation of this lineage.
What makes the current situation different is the vacuum left by a weakened Conservative Party. Historically, populist right-wing movements struggled to maintain momentum when Conservatives were strong. But with the Tories divided and struggling to define a post-Brexit identity, Reform UK has been able to present itself as a credible alternative.
Policy Clash: Labour vs Reform
Labour and Reform UK are worlds apart in terms of policy vision. Starmer’s government has emphasised investment in public services, net zero commitments, and strengthening international alliances. Reform UK, by contrast, advocates for cutting taxes, slashing foreign aid, and renegotiating Britain’s commitments on climate and trade.
On immigration, the contrast is starkest. Labour has called for a managed system that balances economic needs with humanitarian obligations, while Reform UK insists on what it calls “zero net immigration.” Economists have warned that such policies could devastate industries reliant on migrant labour, from agriculture to health care.
Analysts’ Reactions to Starmer’s Speech
Political scientists view Starmer’s decision to confront Reform UK at Labour’s flagship event as a deliberate attempt to define the party early. Dr. Rob Ford of the University of Manchester argued that the prime minister is “seeking to shift the frame of debate from whether Labour is meeting its promises to whether the alternative is dangerously irresponsible.”
Others, however, caution that drawing attention to Reform UK may backfire. Professor Matthew Goodwin, who has studied populist movements extensively, suggested that direct attacks from establishment leaders can reinforce the outsider appeal of parties like Reform. “The danger,” he noted, “is that every time the prime minister mentions Reform UK, it legitimises them in the eyes of voters who like to see the mainstream rattled.”
Public Perception and Polling Data
Polling conducted in September 2025 indicates that Labour remains the largest party but has slipped in approval ratings amid dissatisfaction over cost-of-living pressures and public sector strikes. Reform UK has gained steadily, especially in regions such as the Midlands and northern England.
A YouGov survey last week found that 22% of respondents said Reform UK “speaks for people like me,” compared to 19% in early summer. While still far from threatening Labour’s majority, the trend line underscores why Starmer felt compelled to address the issue head-on.
What’s at Stake for Labour
For Starmer, the challenge is twofold: maintaining Labour’s credibility as a governing party while preventing Reform UK from peeling away disaffected voters. That balancing act requires a mix of reassurance and boldness. His Liverpool comments suggest that Labour will pursue a strategy of framing Reform UK as reckless, while presenting itself as pragmatic and steady-handed.
Insiders say Labour strategists are preparing a series of speeches and policy rollouts aimed at addressing the grievances that fuel populism, including wage stagnation, housing shortages, and regional inequality. The goal is to undercut Reform UK’s appeal by delivering tangible improvements in people’s lives.
International Implications
The rise of Reform UK is being watched closely beyond Britain’s borders. European leaders worry that if the party were to gain significant influence, it could reopen old Brexit debates or disrupt cooperation on climate, security, and trade. Washington too is monitoring developments, mindful of the potential impact on NATO and transatlantic relations.
Starmer’s warning about divisive politics resonates with broader concerns in Western democracies, where populist parties have surged in recent years. From France’s National Rally to Germany’s AfD, the trend has unsettled mainstream leaders and forced them to adapt strategies.
The Road Ahead
As Labour’s conference unfolds, the prime minister’s remarks are expected to set the tone for debates among delegates. Senior ministers are likely to echo his warnings, while also laying out Labour’s case for sustained investment in infrastructure, health, and education.
Whether this approach succeeds depends on how effectively Labour can connect with voters outside its urban strongholds. In particular, younger voters and communities hit hardest by economic change will be critical battlegrounds. If Labour cannot convince them that mainstream politics can deliver, Reform UK will continue to grow.
Conclusion: A Battle for the Centre
Keir Starmer’s warning in Liverpool is more than a passing remark—it is an opening salvo in what promises to be a prolonged contest over the soul of British politics. By positioning Reform UK as a threat to national unity, Starmer has drawn a clear dividing line between Labour’s vision of inclusive governance and Reform’s populist agenda.
The months ahead will test whether this framing resonates. For now, the prime minister has chosen to confront the challenge directly, signalling that he sees no room for complacency. In doing so, he has set the stage for one of the defining political debates of the next election cycle: not only who governs Britain, but what kind of country it aspires to be.
