No, Keir Starmer Didn't Say That People Who Are Worried About Immigration Are Racist

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, with Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool via AP)Nigel Farage has resorted to misinformation after Keir Starmer said one of his key policies for tackling immigration was “racist”.The prime minister went on the attack on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme at the start of Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool.Reform UK announced last week that it would end so-called “independent leave to remain status” for immigrants, meaning people who have been living legally in the UK for decades could be deported.Starmer said: “Well, I do think that it is a racist policy. I do think it is immoral. It needs to be called out for what it is.”Asked if Reform are trying to appeal to racists, the PM said: “No, I think there are plenty of people who either vote Reform or are thinking of voting Reform who are frustrated.“They had 14 years of failure under the Conservatives, they want us to change things.“They may have voted Labour a year ago, and they want the change to come more quickly. I actually do understand that.”But reacting to the PM’s comments, Reform leader Farage wrongly claimed that Starmer was describing his party’s voters, rather than its policies, as racist.He said: “The prime minister has insulted those who believe mass migration should come to an end. Labour do not believe in border controls — and they think anyone who does is racist.”His comments even made the front page of Monday’s Daily Mail with the misleading headline: “Worried about immigration? Starmer says you’re racist.”The Prime Minister has insulted those who believe mass migration should come to an end. Labour do not believe in border controls — and they think anyone who does is racist. pic.twitter.com/GH9vznFXYq— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) September 28, 2025Mail on Sunday journalist Dan Hodges pointed out that Starmer had not called Reform voters racist.He said: “Can we just be clear on something. Keir Starmer specifically said he did not think people who voted Reform, or were thinking of voting Reform, were racist. People can debate what the voters may of heard, and how his comments will be received. But he was explicit on that point.”Can we just be clear on something. Keir Starmer specifically said he did not think people who voted Reform, or were thinking of voting Reform, were racist. People can debate what the voters may of heard, and how his comments will be received. But he was explicit on that point.— (((Dan Hodges))) (@DPJHodges) September 28, 2025Related...Burnham Slams Starmer As Labour Splits Dominate First Day Of Party ConferenceKeir Starmer Blasts Nigel Farage's 'Racist' Plan To Deport Migrants Who Have Lived In UK For YearsKeir Starmer Is The Most Unpopular PM On Record – Yes, Even Including Liz Truss

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