Labour 'in fight for the soul of the nation', says Starmer

Keir Starmer will warn the Labour party that it is in a "fight for the soul of the nation" and that history will not forgive his government if it fails to confront and defeat Reform UK and the populist right.

- Pippa Crerar

Speaking to the Guardian before a vital conference for his leadership, which begins tomorrow, he said he would tell disgruntled party members that now was “not the time for introspection” and infighting.

His remarks are likely be seen as a veiled dig at the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who is being touted by some as a potential successor.

The prime minister heads to Liverpool after a rocky few weeks that have been marked by missteps and departures, and with Labour lagging 10 points behind Reform UK in the polls.

In his interview, Starmer urged his party to recognise the scale of the challenge ahead.

“I have to say to all of those attending conference, this is a real opportunity for us to make our argument about patriotic national renewal, to own patriotism, to define it for what it is,” he said.

“History will not forgive us if we do not use every ounce of our energy to fight Reform. There is an enemy. There is a project which is detrimental to our country. It actually goes against the grain of our history. It’s right there in plain sight in front of us. We have to win this battle.”

While Starmer’s focus will be on setting out his own vision for renewing the country, he will also urge Labour not to be distracted by speculation over his grip on power.

Burnham - who would need a Westminster seat in order to stand for the leadership - is seen by a number of Labour MPs as someone who could provide a more robust challenge to Reform, as well as a change in economic strategy. With Starmer’s premiership under scrutiny, Burnham acknowledged this week that he had been privately urged to challenge the prime minister.