Prime Minister Keir Starmer has launched a fierce attack on Nigel Farage and Reform UK, accusing them of hypocrisy over workers' rights and healthcare policy. Speaking at the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow, Starmer claimed the party talks of supporting workers online but voted against key employment protections, including bans on fire-and-rehire and zero-hours contracts.
Starmer also criticised Reform UK's stance on the NHS, alleging they want to introduce charges for use of the health service. He further condemned the party for “fawning over Putin”, linking their patriotism claims to a lack of support for Ukraine. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to Ukraine's long-term security, stating “no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine”.
The conference saw Starmer announce a £200m investment for the Grangemouth oil refinery, aimed at creating new industrial用途 ahead of its planned summer closure, which threatens over 400 jobs. He used the platform to position Labour as the true party of working people, contrasting with Farage's Reform UK.
Farage responded by accusing Starmer of costing Scottish jobs through net-zero policies and the recent budget's national insurance rises. He denied the NHS charges claim, asserting the health service would remain free at the point of use under Reform UK. The exchange comes as Reform UK eyes gains in next May's Holyrood elections.
