"The shock of falling out of the sky faster than any previous government has been a sickening sensation for the assembled MPs and councillors here at Labour conference. Just one year, and already close to crashing. The question is whether Labour's leader, chancellor and cabinet can tug open enough parachutes to prevent calamity. But the next election is aeons away: only five years ago, Boris Johnson was king of the world, due for another 10 years in No 10."
"But Keir Starmer's sudden assault on Faragism sent a bolt of electricity through glum delegates. His battle for the soul of the nation has raised hope. (Battle and soul were lacking until now.) Gloves off, with Reform UK a terrifying 10 points ahead, he has started to throw off facing-both-ways caution. This marks a turning point, supporters hope. For the party that championed race discrimination laws, calling out a racist policy as immoral is compulsory, with vicious abuse on the rise again."
Labour delegates and newly elected MPs feel alarm over rapid electoral decline and the prospect of large local election losses, including the Senedd. Many new MPs hold tiny majorities and fear short tenures. Keir Starmer's aggressive stance against Faragism energized delegates and signalled a departure from cautious positioning. The party's legacy on race discrimination makes condemning racist policies imperative amid rising abuse. Starmer apologised for the 'island of strangers' line, but research by Rob Ford suggests the apology highlighted immigration and reduced Labour support without attracting Reform voters. Farage's proposed immigration measures are widely unpopular, and ministers should be cautious following Reform's lead.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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