London: Addressing the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool, Prime Minister Keir Starmer laid out his government’s plans on immigration, education, healthcare, and political reform, while also attacking his party’s main rival, Reform UK.
Starmer pledged to strengthen border security, promising to stop small boat crossings in the English Channel and to enforce tougher measures against illegal employment. He stressed that the asylum system “cannot be ignored” and vowed to remove people who “have no right to be here.”
On education, the prime minister announced a shift in policy: instead of aiming for half of young people in England to attend university, the government will work to ensure that two-thirds pursue either “gold standard apprenticeships” or university degrees. He also promised new investments in skills training and the creation of technological excellence institutions.
Healthcare reform was another highlight, with Starmer unveiling “NHS Online”, a new digital service expected to launch by 2027. The initiative aims to reduce patient waiting lists by improving access to healthcare through digital platforms.
Turning to politics, Starmer identified Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, as Labour’s principal challenger. He questioned Reform’s vision for the country and called on Labour supporters to unite against it.
Recent polling underscores the challenge: a YouGov seat-by-seat study suggested that if elections were held immediately, Reform UK would secure 311 seats in the House of Commons, compared with Labour’s 144.
