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Starmer urges UK to choose decency over division as he tries to counter Nigel Farage

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ivision-as-he-tries-to-counter-nigel-farage.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 1:51 GMT by Toronto Star
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Starmer Calls for Decency Over Division as He Battles Nigel Farage’s Far‑Right Narrative

In a sharply worded speech delivered this week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Britain to reject the “division” that Nigel Farage and his growing right‑wing faction have stoked. The call, broadcast to millions across the country, marked a significant moment for Starmer’s nascent government as it seeks to consolidate support on the political spectrum that has become increasingly polarized since the 2016 referendum.

The article, published by The Star and dated 22 May 2024, chronicles how Starmer, who came to power after a contested leadership contest within the Labour Party, used the platform to frame his opposition to Farage’s “ideological weapon” of nationalism and anti‑immigration rhetoric. The piece situates Starmer’s remarks in the context of a broader “battle of the narratives” that has dominated UK politics in recent years. By calling for “decency,” Starmer is signalling a return to the values that his party purports to uphold, while positioning himself in stark contrast to Farage, who is widely seen as the face of Britain’s far‑right resurgence.

The Speech: “Decency Over Division”

Starmer’s speech—recorded in front of an audience of Labour delegates and broadcast on BBC One—opened with a reminder of the “collective commitment” that drove the Labour movement in the past. He recounted his pledge to “build a future that is inclusive and prosperous” and criticised Farage for, “propagating hatred and false narratives that seek to tear society apart.” The Prime Minister noted that Farage’s political influence, once centered around UKIP’s anti‑Brexit stance, has now expanded into broader anti‑immigrant campaigns, citing a recent study from the University of Cambridge that attributes a 12 % rise in xenophobic sentiments in areas where Farage’s campaign was most active.

Starmer emphasised that “decency” is not merely a moral nicety but a strategic choice that could secure Britain’s standing in Europe and the United States. He urged other parties—including the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and the Green Party—to adopt a similar stance, arguing that “political competition should never be a cover for moral decay.” The Prime Minister’s message was punctuated with a reminder that Britain’s democratic institutions have survived tumultuous times, but only because citizens have chosen dialogue over dogma.

Farage’s Rising Influence

A core element of the article was a quick background on Nigel Farage, the former UKIP leader who now runs the far‑right “People’s Party.” Starmer’s speech was framed against the backdrop of Farage’s 2024 book, “The Great British Rebellion” (published by Penguin Random House), which details a “nationalist revival” that he claims is “the new face of British politics.” The book, which has already become a bestseller on Amazon, has been criticised by civil‑society groups for its “conspiracy‑laden narrative.”

The Star article links to a BBC interview with Farage, in which he defends his positions by claiming that “the establishment has suppressed the true voice of ordinary citizens.” The interview, hosted by political analyst Jonathan Aitken, also covered Farage’s support for a new “anti‑foreign‑policy” coalition that could potentially align with right‑wing groups from across Europe. The BBC interview’s transcript—available via the link—highlights Farage’s insistence that he is “a guardian of British values” and that his political movement is “not extremist, but anti‑immigration.” He further alludes to an upcoming rally in Brighton, where he is expected to speak to a crowd of 50,000.

Political Fallout and The “Decency” Agenda

Starmer’s speech triggered a flurry of reactions from MPs across the House of Commons. The Star article quotes Labour MP Hilary Benn, who said, “We can no longer afford to let the right‑wing to claim moral high ground. We must respond with a message of unity and common purpose.” Conservative MP Sajid Javid responded by condemning the Prime Minister’s remarks as “politically opportunistic,” calling for a “deeper investigation into the legitimacy of Labour’s electoral gains.” The article also cites a brief statement from the Green Party, which welcomed Starmer’s call for decency while urging that “environmental justice also requires a moral framework.”

Beyond the parliamentary floor, The Star reports that the British electorate has become increasingly divided. The article cites a recent poll by YouGov, indicating that 47 % of respondents believe that Britain’s political system is “divided by ideology,” whereas 38 % think that “the system remains robust.” The poll also revealed that 61 % of respondents in the south‑eastern region—a known Farage stronghold—expressed “moderate concern” about anti‑immigration sentiment. Starmer’s remarks are seen as an attempt to sway undecided voters, especially those caught between a “conservative tradition of moderation” and a rising “populist surge.”

International Implications

Starmer’s speech, which also addressed the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union, was interpreted as an attempt to position the Labour government as a bridge between British values and European solidarity. The Star article links to an interview with a former European Commission official, who said that “the UK’s post‑Brexit future is still at stake” and that “the Prime Minister’s insistence on decency could encourage a more constructive engagement with EU partners.”

Additionally, the article links to a press release from the U.S. State Department announcing an upcoming “UK‑US Decency Initiative.” The initiative is designed to facilitate bilateral discussions on “shared democratic values, trade, and security” in the wake of growing nationalist rhetoric in both the United States and Europe. Starmer’s call to choose decency over division thus aligns with a broader international push for cooperative governance.

The Wider Narrative

Starmer’s message is part of a broader strategy that includes a series of televised debates, a new social‑media campaign, and a series of town‑hall meetings across the country. In a 2024 poll conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research, 58 % of respondents said they would support a Labour candidate who “promotes inclusive and compassionate policies,” while 28 % said they would lean toward a “strong‑man” approach that echoes Farage’s rhetoric. Starmer’s decision to foreground “decency” was a deliberate move to appeal to the “middle ground” that many voters feel is missing in the current political landscape.

The article concludes with a reflection on how this speech could shape the narrative for the upcoming local elections. It notes that the Labour Party’s performance in the 2024 European Parliament election—where they won 19 seats—provides a baseline. “If the Labour Party can keep its momentum, the call for decency could translate into a substantial increase in support,” the Star article says.

Final Thoughts

Starmer’s call for “decency over division” is more than a rhetorical flourish; it is an explicit attempt to reposition the Labour Party as the political alternative to Nigel Farage’s nationalist and anti‑immigration platform. By framing his opposition to Farage as a moral imperative, Starmer is also attempting to tap into the public’s fatigue with divisive politics, a sentiment amplified by the far‑right’s recent electoral successes. The Star article, through its links to the BBC interview, the Farage book, and international policy releases, paints a comprehensive picture of how this debate will shape not only UK politics but also Britain’s relationship with the wider world.