Battle for UK's soul

KEIR Starmer declared yesterday that the next election will be an “open fight” between Labour and Reform, and warned of a “battle for the soul” of Britain.

- BY LIZZY BUCHAN and DAVE BURKE

The Prime Minister said his party is no longer up against the flailing Tories but is in a contest with Nigel Farage's hardliners.

Laying out the stark terms of the challenge ahead as he prepares for a critical party conference, he said: "For us, it's about repairing the damage done under the last government, but rebuilding in a way which embraces and takes on the battle for the soul of the country. Because we're going to face a very different election next time. That's why I want this to be out as an open fight now between Labour and Reform."

Starmer claimed the left had been too squeamish in tackling immigration, and confirmed plans for compulsory digital ID cards for all adults by the end of this parliament.

He said: "You will not be able to work in the UK if you do not have digital ID."