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Starmer criticises Reform and Tories as he outlines government plans

Labour struggling to convince voters on migration, says The Independent’s Millie Cooke as Starmer faces channel pressure

Sir Keir Starmer has criticised "scaremongering" from Reform and the Tories, promising "national renewal" and a government focused on improving people's lives as MPs return.
His remarks follow a summer of anti-migrant protests and increased small boat crossings, which have seen Labour's poll ratings decline.
The Prime Minister is conducting a ministerial reshuffle to boost the government's flagging poll numbers, as Reform UK currently leads Labour significantly in opinion polls.
Starmer accused the Conservatives of failing working people on issues like housing and transport, while pledging Labour would invest in infrastructure, technology, and skills training.
Labour faces challenges including difficult budget choices and the growing popularity of Reform UK, alongside calls from senior faith leaders to abolish the two-child benefit cap.