Liverpool, 28 September (H.S.): Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer opened the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool with a strong admonition against Reform UK, warning that their plans to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR) for legal migrants risk tearing the country apart.

Starmer decried Reform’s immigration policy as highly divisive and highlighted Labour’s commitment to patriotic national renewal as an alternative to toxic divide and decline. He accused Reform leader Nigel Farage of neglecting constituents and undermining the nation from abroad.

Starmer pledged to fight back with pragmatism, emphasizing the need to roll up our sleeves as Labour seeks to regain ground in opinion polls.The proposed Reform UK policy aims to replace ILR with five-year renewable visas having stricter eligibility requirements, sparking public debate as a YouGov poll revealed 58% opposition to removing ILR rights for current holders, though 44% supported the idea in principle.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reiterated Labour’s support for legal migration while underlining the importance of contribution to communities.The conference will also spotlight Labour’s intention to scrap the two-child benefit cap, a move gaining traction among MPs and unions amid calls to address child poverty.

Notably, former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and MP Apsana Begum had the Labour whip restored following their rebellion on the benefit cap issue. Starmer defended his plans to lower the voting age to 16 and rule out legalizing cannabis.

Labour’s broader agenda includes unveiling new digital ID systems to combat illegal migration and plans for the development of several New Towns. The conference marks a critical moment as Starmer confronts internal party challenges alongside the external threat posed by Reform UK, seeking to unify Labour for the upcoming general election fight.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar