Labour peer Lord Glasman blasts Keir Starmer over "huge mistake" with Reform

A top Labour peer has blasted Keir Starmer's approach after the Prime Minister branded Nigel Farage's immigration policy as "racist". Lord Glasman, who is a leading light in the party's right wing 'Blue Labour' faction, has said the condemnation of Mr Farage's policy was a "huge mistake" that will do nothing to dampen support for Reform.

Asked if he thinks Nigel Farage is racist, Lord Glasman said: "I don't think that at all, I think it's a huge mistake, and it results from having a superior attitude. People want action. "Today the Prime Minister's making a speech, my advice to him is 'keep it short. People want actions not words.' And when you say things like that, people are rightfully and righteously concerned that our government can't control its borders. They're absolutely shocked and disgusted that there are so many people in our country who shouldn't be here, and the government doesn't do anything about it."

"When it comes to migration and immigration we've got to be as one."

Sir Keir Starmer issued the criticism on Laura Kuenssberg's Sunday interview programme, telling the star BBC interviewer: "What was said last week about deporting migrants who are lawfully here, who've been here for years, working in our hospitals, in our schools, running businesses, our neighbours, and Reform say they want to deport them. That would tear our country apart."

Asked if he thought the policy was racist, the Prime Minister replied: "Well, I do think that it's a racist policy.

"I do think it's immoral, it needs to be called out for what it is."

In response, Mr Farage told the Daily Express that Sir Keir's words were said out of desperation.

He fumed: "Starmer thinks anybody here on a time-limited visa is entitled to stay in Britain forever.

"Labour do not believe in border controls - and think anyone who does is racist.

"This is a desperate attack from a man sinking in the opinion polls and leading a divided party."

By contrast Lord Glasman heaped praise on another top Labour minister, contrasting her with the Prime Minister.

He told GB News: "Shabana Mahmood went on yesterday and she silenced the conference, it was a very significant moment.

"She spoke about having sovereignty as an article of faith; borders; social order; hatred of petty crime; and conference actually heard it. So I think that's the transformational moment of this conference.

"If Shabana Mahmood is given the support, Steve Reed at housing, John Healey at defence, if we can rebuild our army, build houses and secure our borders and civic peace... then we've got a fighting chance."