British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for unity among his Labour Party members as they face rising competition from the populist party Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. At Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, Starmer emphasized the need to focus on defeating Reform UK, which he accused of proposing a “racist policy” of mass deportation. He urged members to set aside internal conflicts amid growing dissatisfaction with his leadership, particularly ahead of local and regional elections in May.

Starmer’s leadership is under scrutiny following reports of potential rival candidacies, including Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who could challenge him if he secures a parliamentary seat. Additionally, Starmer faces pressure to increase government spending, balancing fiscal responsibility with demands for improved living standards.

On the conference’s first day, pro-Palestine protests took place outside the venue, criticizing the UK government’s stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. Activists called for an end to arms exports to Israel and labelled the situation as genocide, prompting celebrity endorsements for their cause.

As Labour prepares for upcoming elections and grapples with internal strife, Starmer stated he would work on improving public services and safety while addressing criticisms. Polling indicates significant dissatisfaction, with only 13% of voters expressing approval for his government, the lowest rating for any UK Prime Minister since 1977.

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