Starmer calling Reform policy ‘racist’ is an aggressive and risky escalation

Labour MPs and members are relieved to hear him speak so unequivocally but are expecting a backlash from the right

Politicians tend to prefer different awkward euphemisms when they talk about the extreme right. Divisive" has so far been the descriptor of choice for Keir Starmer.

But on Sunday the prime minister went further. It was racist, he said, unequivocally, for Reform UK to pledge to end indefinite leave to remain, a policy that threatens the lives of people long settled in Britain.