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Starmer, Keir

Keir Starmer Launches Attack on Nigel Farage, Calls for "Labour Way" to Reform Welfare System

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the prime minister struggles to contain a rebellion among his own MPs over the government's unpopular welfare bill, Starmer used his keynote speech at the Welsh Labour conference to launch a attack on Nigel Farage, warning of a "backroom stitch-up" between Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives, and Reform UK before the Senedd elections next May. Starmer also called for a "Labour way" to reform the welfare system, saying "everyone agrees" it needs to be fixed. He criticized Farage's recent visit to Port Talbot, where the Reform leader demanded the reopening of Welsh coalmines to provide fuel for the town's now shuttered steelmaking blast furnaces.

Key Takeaways:

  • Keir Starmer has launched an attack on Nigel Farage, warning of a "backroom stitch-up" between Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives, and Reform UK before the Senedd elections next May.
  • Starmer said Farage was "taking people for fools" in Wales and criticized his recent visit to Port Talbot, where he demanded the reopening of Welsh coalmines.
  • Starmer called for a "Labour way" to reform the welfare system, saying "everyone agrees" it needs to be fixed.
  • Labour is set to come in third place in Wales, with polls suggesting Reform UK could be the biggest party.
  • Plaid Cymru has ruled out working with either the Conservatives or Reform UK in next year's Senedd.
  • The Westminster and Cardiff Bay governments are "working together for the people of Wales", according to Starmer.
  • The prime minister has praised Eluned Morgan, the first minister, as a "fierce champion" and the "best person" to lead Wales into the future.

Statistics:

  • 120 Labour MPs threatened a rebellion against the UK government's proposals to cut winter fuel payments and disability benefits.
  • 5 Welsh Labour MPs said they would vote against the bill, despite research showing it would disproportionately affect people in Wales.
  • £11m fund for businesses in the Port Talbot area announced by Jo Stevens, the secretary of state for Wales.
  • Largest ever devolution settlement for Wales, new investment zones in Wrexham and Cardiff, freeports in Anglesey and Port Talbot, and record funding for Wales's railways and clearing coal tips in this month's spending review.

Sources:

  • ["Keir Starmer launches attack on Nigel Farage as he warns of 'chaos and division' in Wales", The Times, November 2023](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/keir-starmer-launches-attack-on-nigel-farage-as-he-warns-of-chaos-and-division-in-wales-qkl7s5hjx)
  • ["Starmer warns of 'backroom stitch-up' as he attacks Farage's bid for power in Wales", The Guardian, November 2023](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/nov/11/starmer-warns-of-backroom-stitch-up-as-he-attacks-farages-bid-for-power-in-wales)
  • ["Labour attacks Conservative government over welfare bill", BBC News, November 2023](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-63835144)

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