UK Prime Minister Starmer Defends Farage Against Racism Accusations Amid Immigration Policy Dispute

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's immigration policy to deport hundreds of thousands of people with indefinite leave to remain as "racist" and "immoral," but has explicitly stated he does not believe Farage or Reform voters themselves are racist. Starmer described Farage as a "formidable politician" and differentiated his personal view of Farage from his criticism of the party's policies, acknowledging voters' concerns about borders and social change. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy made controversial remarks accusing Farage of having "flirted with Hitler Youth," which he later retracted amid backlash. In contrast to the Labour leadership's strong stance, Labour Peer Lord Maurice Glasman publicly apologized to Farage, rejecting the accusations of racism and expressing pride in considering Farage a friend. The dispute highlights internal Labour divisions and the tense political climate ahead of the next election, with Starmer vowing to fight Reform UK's policies while attempting to avoid labeling its supporters as racists. The debate also touches on broader issues of immigration, national identity, and political rhetoric in the UK.