Keir Starmer criticized Reform after facing accusations of using divisive politics during a heated exchange at PMQs. The Prime Minister challenged Reform UK’s chief whip, Lee Anderson, to have party leader Nigel Farage clarify allegations in recent news reports. Allegations surfaced claiming Farage made racist and antisemitic remarks in school, which he denies.
During the Commons confrontation, Starmer humorously responded to Anderson’s remarks about Labour’s politics, highlighting Reform UK’s focus on their responsibilities. Laughter and jeers followed the exchange, with Starmer pointing out Farage’s failure to condemn racist comments by a fellow MP and derogatory remarks about children in care made within Reform UK.
This confrontation follows Starmer’s previous criticism of the Reform leader for not condemning a party member’s characterization of children in care as “evil.” In a recent PMQs session, Farage faced backlash for evading condemnation of the comments and diverting the conversation to asylum hotel policies. The incident arose after Labour MP Darren Paffey raised concerns about Andy Osborn, a Reform UK member under investigation for breaching the code of conduct.
Despite expectations for Farage to address the issue, he cited time constraints and shifted focus to a question about asylum hotels. Starmer and the PM expressed disappointment in Farage’s handling of the situation, also highlighting Reform UK’s lack of action against MP Sarah Pochin for her controversial statements.
Following Pochin’s remarks earlier in the year, Farage expressed dissatisfaction with her comments but defended her intentions as non-racist. During the latest PMQs, Anderson challenged Starmer to ensure council elections proceed as planned next year, taunting him to show leadership.