Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has launched a scathing attack on Nigel Farage following the Reform UK leader's controversial comments about social media influencer Andrew Tate. Starmer accused Farage of promoting "toxic masculinity" and argued that such rhetoric has no place in British politics.
Farage's Controversial Remarks
The row erupted after Farage described Tate - who faces charges of human trafficking and rape in Romania - as an "important voice" for young men. The comments, made during a BBC interview, sparked widespread criticism across the political spectrum.
Starmer's Strong Rebuttal
Speaking to reporters, the Labour leader said: "When we have someone like Nigel Farage holding up Andrew Tate as some kind of role model, it shows how far standards in public life have fallen." Starmer emphasised that political leaders should be challenging misogynistic attitudes rather than amplifying them.
The Wider Political Context
The confrontation comes as Farage's Reform UK party continues to poll strongly ahead of the general election, with some surveys suggesting they could split the Conservative vote. Political analysts suggest Starmer's intervention is part of a strategy to paint Farage's party as outside the mainstream.
Calls for Higher Standards
Starmer used the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to raising standards in politics: "We need to restore integrity and decency to public life. That means calling out dangerous rhetoric wherever we see it." The Labour leader's comments have been welcomed by women's rights groups but dismissed by Reform UK as "virtue signalling".
