During a speech at the Scottish Labour conference, Starmer accused Reform UK of promoting “dangerous right-wing politics” and claimed the party is not good for Britain. He also said Reform UK would charge people for using the NHS and warned about job losses in Scotland, especially at Grangemouth, where an oil refinery is closing.
Farage fired back, saying Starmer’s comments were “desperate.” He argued that Scotland has already lost over 70,000 jobs in the North Sea due to government policies on climate change, and more jobs are at risk. Farage also denied Starmer’s claims about the NHS, saying Reform UK would keep it free for everyone.
Farage added that Starmer’s upcoming budget changes, including higher taxes on businesses, would hurt Scotland even more. He called Starmer’s claims about the NHS “completely untrue” and said the Prime Minister must be feeling desperate.
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson also criticized Starmer, saying Reform UK’s goals—like securing borders, putting more police on the streets, and prioritizing British citizens—are not dangerous. Anderson said Starmer is “on borrowed time” and his recent comments show he’s worried about Reform UK’s growing popularity.
Starmer, speaking at the conference in Glasgow, said Labour needs to be ready to face the challenge from Reform UK, which is doing well in some polls. He warned about the rise of “dangerous right-wing politics” and said only Labour can help working people, fix the economy, protect borders, save the NHS, and create opportunities for children.
Starmer also announced an extra £200 million in funding for Grangemouth, where an oil refinery is set to close, risking around 400 jobs. He said this investment shows how Labour can make a difference for Scotland’s future.
Meanwhile, Labour’s popularity in Scotland has dropped since Starmer became Prime Minister last July.
