Labour leader Keir Starmer has criticized Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, for not denouncing a party councillor who made derogatory remarks about children in care. Starmer condemned the comments as “utterly appalling” and expressed disappointment in Farage’s failure to address the issue promptly.
During a session of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), Labour MP Darren Paffey highlighted the offensive remarks by Reform UK’s Andy Osborn, currently under investigation for breaching the members’ code of conduct. Paffey called for condemnation of the comments and reassurance that the Labour government would continue to support care leavers.
In response, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of caring for vulnerable children and criticized opposition parties for voting against measures to assist care leavers. He described the comments about children in care as “utterly appalling” and urged Mr. Farage to condemn them.
Farage, however, diverted the discussion to the closure of migrant hotels, claiming that his council was taking action to address public concerns about safety. He asked the Prime Minister for approval to accelerate the closure of these hotels.
In a separate incident, Starmer also criticized Farage for not taking action against Reform MP Sarah Pochin, who had made racially insensitive remarks. Starmer accused Farage of being “utterly spineless” for failing to address both instances of offensive comments within his party.
Following backlash over her comments, Pochin apologized for any offense caused by her remarks about Black and Asian people in advertisements, clarifying that her words were poorly phrased and not intended to offend.
The exchanges between party leaders and MPs underscored ongoing tensions and controversies within the political landscape, with issues of discrimination and care for vulnerable groups at the forefront of the debate.