UK PM Keir Starmer Defends Nigel Farage, Rejects Racism Claims Against Reform Voters Amid Immigration Policy Criticism

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has clarified that neither Nigel Farage nor Reform UK voters are racist, despite labeling the party's immigration policy, particularly its plan to remove the right to remain from some lawfully residing migrants, as "racist" and "immoral." Starmer emphasized that concerns among Reform supporters stem from issues like border control and the pace of change, not racism. He described Farage as a "formidable politician" but acknowledged that the policy could cause fear among minorities. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy appeared to retract earlier claims that Farage had "flirted with Hitler Youth" as a schoolboy, noting Farage's denial of such allegations. Reform UK, which has gained votes from those frustrated with mainstream parties over housing, healthcare, and migration, has been accused of exploiting public fears with xenophobic policies. Both Starmer and Labour officials stress the need to address public concerns seriously without scapegoating or labeling voters as racist.