Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has criticized Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, for his failure to denounce a councilor’s derogatory remarks about children in care. Starmer condemned the comments as “utterly appalling” and expressed disappointment in Farage’s response during a parliamentary session.
During a session of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), Labour MP Darren Paffey highlighted the offensive statements made by Reform UK’s Andy Osborn, currently under investigation for breaching the members’ code of conduct. Paffey called on the House to join him in condemning the “vile” rhetoric of Reform and sought assurances from Starmer regarding the government’s commitment to supporting care leavers.
In response, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of supporting care leavers and criticized opposition parties for voting against measures to assist them. He described the comments about children in care as “utterly appalling” and urged Farage to condemn them.
Farage, however, diverted the discussion, citing time constraints and shifting the focus to issues related to asylum hotels. He highlighted actions taken by Reform-led councils regarding migrant hotels and sought approval from the Prime Minister to expedite their closure.
Starmer further criticized Farage for his inaction against MP Sarah Pochin, who had made racially insensitive remarks. The PM echoed Starmer’s sentiments and condemned Farage as “utterly spineless” for failing to address such comments within his party.
Following the backlash over Pochin’s comments, Farage expressed displeasure with her remarks but defended her intentions as non-racist. Pochin issued an apology for any offense caused by her statement and clarified that her comments were poorly phrased and not intended to offend anyone.
