British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that racism with deep decades-long roots is re-emerging in British politics, causing widespread fear and division among citizens. Speaking on Tuesday, Starmer said that the divisive politics of the far right is “tearing our country apart.”
During a discussion with Dr. Amir Khan, a well-known general practitioner and television personality, Starmer directly criticized Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, accusing it of reviving the racist and divisive rhetoric “we thought we had overcome decades ago.”
In his ITV interview on “Lorraine”, the Prime Minister also hinted that the government will remove the two-child benefit cap later this month — a measure that charities have long criticized as a key driver of child poverty in the United Kingdom.
“I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that I am determined to reduce child poverty,” Starmer declared.
He cited several existing government initiatives, including free school meals, breakfast clubs, and expanded childcare programs, but acknowledged that “more must be done.”
“I can look you in the eye and say I am personally committed to cutting child poverty,” he added.
A Clear Divide in British Politics
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, echoed similar sentiments earlier this week, telling BBC Radio that “a child should never be punished simply because their parents don’t have enough money.”
Starmer emphasized that the political divide in the UK is now between “patriotic national renewal” led by Labour and the “toxic division” fueled by Reform UK and other far-right forces that, according to him, are “destroying our country.”
“Some of the rhetoric we’re hearing — racist rhetoric, divisive rhetoric — that I honestly thought we had dealt with decades ago, is returning to politics, and it’s making people feel very afraid,” Starmer warned.
He called for unity, compassion, and tolerance, stating that true British identity means caring for others and standing against hate:
“We must confront this racism and division, and proudly say that being British means being fair, tolerant, and compassionate — and we are proud of that.”
