Sir Keir Starmer has mentioned he doesn’t imagine Nigel Farage or Reform voters are racist – and in addition refused to label Donald Trump’s declare that London desires “Sharia law” as such.
Requested if it was racist, contemplating Sir Sadiq is a Muslim, Sir Keir mentioned: “I have been really clear that the idea that in London we’re introducing Sharia law is rubbish.”
He mentioned the mayor – who has branded Mr Trump “racist, sexist, misogynistic” – was doing a “very good job”, but in addition pointed to his “very good relationship” with the president.
Sir Keir additionally insisted he doesn’t assume Mr Farage or Reform supporters are racist, after focusing on the celebration in his Labour convention speech and claiming its chief “hates Britain”.
Earlier within the week, Sir Keir known as Reform’s freshly introduced immigration insurance policies “racist” and “immoral”.
Requested if he thinks Mr Farage is a racist, he mentioned: “No, nor do I think Reform voters are racist.
“They’re involved about issues like our borders, they’re pissed off in regards to the tempo of change.
“So I’m not for a moment suggesting that they are racist.”
He mentioned he was “talking about a particular policy”, which might see Reform axe the correct of migrants to use for indefinite depart to stay, ban anybody who isn’t a UK citizen from claiming advantages, and pressure these making use of for UK citizenship to resign different citizenship.
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3:19
How did the PM carry out at convention?
Reform ‘taking nation down highway of poisonous division’
Sir Keir additionally refused to say whether or not he thinks Mr Farage is harmful, saying: “I think the fight at the next election is going to define us as a country for years to come.
“I feel it is a harmful second for the nation.”
He said he would not “get into labelling the person”.
“I am speaking in regards to the concepts and what he stands for and what I stand for,” he added.
“I feel that taking our nation down the highway of poisonous division the place you do not need to repair issues as a result of in the event that they’re mounted, you lose your cause to exist, I feel that’s harmful for our nation.”
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0:57
Starmer’s ‘anti-Reform celebration’ gamble
Farage: Starmer unfit to be PM
Mr Farage reacted to Sir Keir’s speech by accusing him of being “unfit to be the prime minister of our country”.
“I used to think the prime minister was a decent man, somebody that I could talk to and chat to,” he mentioned.
“We might disagree on our worldview, but I thought he was a profoundly decent human being. I am completely shocked at his behaviour.
“I hope when he wakes up tomorrow morning he feels ashamed of what he has accomplished. This can be a determined final throw of the cube for the prime minister who’s in serious trouble, a primary minister who cannot even command the help of half of his personal celebration.
“But I’m sorry to say, I now believe he is unfit to be the prime minister of our country.”
