Sir Keir Starmer plans to address the dangerous right-wing politics of Reform UK at the Scottish Labour conference, as the party faces rising popularity ahead of the 2026 elections.
Sir Keir Starmer is set to deliver a pointed critique of Reform UK, highlighting what he describes as the “dangerous right-wing politics” of the party led by Nigel Farage. This declaration will form part of his address at the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow on Sunday, marking a significant moment in the escalation of political discourse ahead of the upcoming elections.
Recent opinion polls have indicated a surge in support for Reform UK, placing them ahead of the Labour Party in some surveys. In Scotland, there are suggestions that Reform UK could secure its first seats in the Scottish Parliament during the elections scheduled for May 2026. In this context, Sir Keir is expected to argue that the party’s policies are fundamentally “alien” to the concerns of working citizens.
While addressing the conference, Sir Keir will reportedly challenge his party members, asserting, “If we don’t show a path to the future, others will fill that void.” His remarks will align with an overarching theme expressed by the Prime Minister, who will reinforce the notion that voters need to be wary of the proposals put forward by Reform UK, which he believes do not genuinely serve the interests of working people.
The Prime Minister’s comments will include a specific critique of Reform UK’s parliamentary participation and their voting record, particularly against Labour’s employment rights Bill. He will describe Reform UK’s public rhetoric on workers’ rights as disingenuous, claiming that their proposals would lead to charging individuals for NHS services. The Prime Minister will firmly state, “They are not the answer people are looking for. That is not the answer for Britain. And it will never be the answer for Scotland.”
As he prepares to address the conference, it will be the first time the Prime Minister has spoken to Scottish Labour members since the party regained power in the July elections. He is expected to take the opportunity to criticise the Scottish National Party (SNP) government, suggesting they have failed to take advantage of the financial support available from Westminster, particularly a settlement of £47.7 billion, the largest provided during the devolution era. Sir Keir will claim this funding is crucial for public services, insisting it provides “more money for Scottish schools, more money for Scottish hospitals, more money for Scottish police services,” yet the SNP has voted against it, which he interprets as indicative of “gesture politics” prioritising image over effectiveness.
Sir Keir will further emphasise the transformative potential of a Labour government both at Westminster and Holyrood, envisioning an end to almost two decades of SNP governance. He will express optimism about what could be achieved collectively under Labour leadership, stating, “Imagine the possibilities for change.”
In response to Sir Keir’s remarks, a spokesman for Reform UK dismissed the claims, asserting that Starmer is failing the people of Scotland and labelling him an unpopular figure. The spokesperson argued that Labour continues the Tory tradition of neglecting Scottish interests and claimed that Reform UK offers a genuine alternative to the status quo, stating, “Scotland is broken, Scotland needs Reform.”
In a parallel critique, the SNP’s depute Westminster leader, Pete Wishart, underscored what he perceives as Labour’s inadequacies. He suggested that Labour’s promises remain unfulfilled, accusing the party of an undue focus on competing with Farage instead of addressing pressing issues such as economic growth, NHS funding, and poverty eradication.
The exchanges highlighted at the conference encapsulate the growing tensions as parties prepare for a pivotal electoral period in Scotland, showcasing differing visions for governance and the future direction of the country.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/keir-starmer-labour-scottish-labour-prime-minister-snp-b2702957.html – This article supports the claim that Sir Keir Starmer will address the Scottish Labour conference, condemning Reform UK’s ‘dangerous right-wing politics.’
- https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/keir-starmer-do-not-vote-for-dangerous-politics-of-nigel-farage-5002937 – This article corroborates Starmer’s warning against voting for Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, highlighting the dangers of their politics.
- https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2025/02/starmer-admits-feeling-heat-from-reforms-growth/ – This article mentions Starmer’s concern about Reform UK’s growth and its implications for Labour, aligning with his critique of Reform UK’s policies.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-65033138 – Although not directly available in the search results, this URL typically provides coverage of Scottish political events, which could include discussions about Reform UK and Labour’s strategies in Scotland.
- https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/sep/20/scottish-labour-party-conference-keir-starmer-snp – Similar to the previous suggestion, this URL would typically cover Labour’s stance and strategies in Scotland, including interactions with the SNP and Reform UK.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, referencing upcoming elections in May 2026 and current political discourse. However, it does not contain any specific dates or recent events that would confirm its absolute freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The quotes appear to be original to this context, but without specific sources or dates, it’s difficult to verify their first appearance. They seem to align with the political rhetoric typical of such events.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable news outlet, The Irish News, which generally provides reliable reporting. However, the political nature of the content may introduce bias.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims are plausible given the current political climate and the known stances of the parties involved. The narrative aligns with typical political rhetoric and strategies.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fresh and plausible, with quotes that seem original to this context. It originates from a reliable source, although political bias might be present. Overall, the information is likely accurate and reflects current political discourse.
