Jack Straw urges Labour not to panic about threat of Nigel Farage

Former home secretary praises Keir Starmer's success on world stage and says PM can win over sceptical UK public

Keir Starmer and his ministers must not panic" about the threat of Nigel Farage, the former home secretary Jack Straw has said, adding that the prime minister had impressed on the world stage and should show more of that side of himself at home.

In an interview with the Guardian, he praised Starmer's intention to recognise a Palestinian state after an ultimatum to Israel - but defended the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, saying he would also have proscribed the direct action group Palestine Action.