Keir Starmer's 'lies' SKEWERED by Nigel Farage after PM labels Reform UK 'unpatriotic' - 'He's scared!'
WATCH: Keir Starmer launches Labour's local elections campaign
GB NEWS
Nigel Farage has unleashed a brutal rebuke to Sir Keir Starmer after the Prime Minister accused Reform UK of being "unpatriotic".
Starmer, launching Labour's Local Elections campaign, had said Reform "claims to be the party of patriotism" but jabbed: "There's nothing patriotic about fawning over Putin."
But now, Farage has hit back - and alongside slapping down the PM's claims, has warned that Starmer himself is "very, very scared".
"He accuses us of fawning over Putin," the Reform boss said. "No - what we think Putin's done in Ukraine is absolutely wrong."
He also jabbed: "What's really interesting is that the Prime Minister isn't really even bothering to talk about the Conservative Party. It's Reform. That's who the Labour Party are genuinely scared of. He's resorted already at the launch to outright Labour lies."
Farage added: "We will stick to the facts. We will not lie. And I'll tell you what - I'm seeing a Prime Minister who's very, very scared."
Nigel Farage admits he 'hasn't spoken to White House' since Trump's return - as Reform UK leader reinstates Starmer offer
The Reform UK chief warned that he 'can't be seen to interfere' in the special relationship
GB NEWS
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has revealed that he has "not spoken" to Donald Trump's administration since the US President took up residence in the White House for a second time - despite offering his assistance to Labour "many times".
Speaking to GB News, Farage claimed that although he spoke to the Trump team "quite a lot" in his first term, this time he hasn't had the chance.
The Reform UK chief also warned that he "can't be seen to interfere" unless Labour "wants me to be useful".
But in an olive branch to the Prime Minister, Farage concluded: "I repeat the offer. If the Government wants me to help, I would help. And I would do it, even though they're a Labour Government. I'd do it in the national interest."
Nigel Farage refuses to confirm whether he wants to be Prime Minister THREE times
Nigel Farage has refused to confirm whether he wants to be Prime Minister on three separate occasions in an exclusive interview with GB News.
The Reform UK leader sat down with Political Editor Christopher Hope to discuss the party's recent polling - but when asked by Chopper if he wanted to be PM, Farage side-stepped the question.
Pressing again on his designs on Downing Street, Farage was asked: "You want to be PM yourself, don't you?"
But what did he say?
'John is on a jolly!' Scotland's First Minister skewered as it emerges he hasn't booked ANY meetings with Trump team over Scottish goods
John Swinney has been accused of heading to the US 'on a jolly'
PAJohn Swinney has been accused of heading to the US "on a jolly" after it emerged that he has not booked any meetings with Donald Trump's administration over tariffs on Scottish exports.
The First Minister will be visiting New York City for "Tartan Week" in a matter of days - where he's set to meet business chiefs and lead a parade through Manhattan.
And though he had vowed to Holyrood that he would leave "no stone unturned" on protecting key Scottish industries like whisky and salmon, the Scottish Government have now admitted he has not looked for any meetings with US officials to discuss yesterday's tariffs.
"I don’t believe any meeting was sought, no," Swinney's spokesman said - though the FM himself had pledged to "work hard to make sure Scotland is promoted and to ensure that the interests of Scotland are asserted to the United States market."
Meanwhile, Labour's Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has used his own Tartan Week trip to meet State Department officials and Mark Burnett, Trump's special envoy to the UK.
And Scottish Labour boss Anas Sarwar has already hosted a reception in the US capital which was expected to be attended by Democrat and Republican lawmakers.
Alex Cole-Hamilton, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, said: "In the middle of a trade crisis, taxpayer-funded flights and overseas Government missions should be being used to deliver for those Scottish businesses under threat for tariffs. Instead it seems like John is on a jolly."
Kwasi Kwarteng: 'Die-hard EU fans will NEVER admit Britain's tariff escape is a Brexit benefit'
Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has vowed that "die-hard EU fans" will "never admit" that Britain's 10 per cent tariff rate awarded by Donald Trump is a "Brexit benefit".
Writing exclusively for GB News, Kwarteng said: "The EU and its supporters berate the President's protectionism, while celebrating that of the European Union. They are criticising Trump for doing exactly what the EU does.
"Another fact that the die-hard EU fans will never acknowledge is that post-Brexit Britain is in a better place than their beloved EU in respect of Trump's tariffs.
"The EU is facing 20 per cent tariffs on their exports into the US. Britain is facing only 10 per cent. That is half the rate the EU faces. But this simple benefit of Brexit will never be admitted by the Brexit haters, even though a child can see this advantage.
"I am not a fan of protectionism, but I think I understand what President Trump is doing...
SIGN UP TO GBN MEMBERSHIP AND READ KWASI KWARTENG'S FULL OP-ED HERE
GRAPHED: Local election candidates by party - as Reform UK breaks centuries-old RECORD
GB NEWS
Reform UK is fielding the most candidates out of any party at the impending Local Elections, new figures show.
Analysis by ElectionMapsUK on social media has listed each party plus independent candidates by the number of people standing - and Nigel Farage's Reform has come out on top.
A Reform source tells GB News that it marks the first time since 1902 that any party has stood more candidates than both the Tories and Labour - with 1,630 compared to 1,594 and 1,540 respectively, out of 1,641 seats.
RECAP: What did Starmer say about Nigel Farage's Reform UK?
Sir Keir Starmer labelled Nigel Farage's Reform UK "unpatriotic" as he launched Labour's Local Elections campaign ahead of May 1.
The Prime Minister, who is facing an uphill struggle after slumping in the opinion polls, took aim at the Clacton MP over Ukraine, the NHS and workers' rights.
Speaking in the East Midlands, Starmer said: "I'm not just talking about the Tories. I'm talking about Reform as well.
"They say they want to run the country, they can't even run themselves. You can literally fit their MPs now in the back of a cab but they still don't know where they're going.
"They talk the language of workers' rights, they talk it alright, online, and sometimes on the doorstep.
"But what did they do? They voted against fire and rehire. They voted against scrapping exploitative zero hours contracts. They voted against sick leave and maternity pay. That's what they do.
"And what about the NHS? They want to charge people for using our NHS. They claim to be the party of patriotism. There's nothing patriotic about fawning over Putin."
Rotherham grooming gang survivor joins Rupert Lowe's rape gang inquiry team
Rotherham grooming gang survivor Sammy Woodhouse has joined suspended Reform MP Rupert Lowe's crowd-funded rape gang inquiry as its victim engagement officer.
Woodhouse, whose story helped spark Professor Alexis Jay's report into the national scandal, has long campaigned to raise awareness of child criminal and sexual exploitation - and today has been hailed as an "important voice who will add huge value to the inquiry's work".
Reacting to her announcement, Lowe said: "We are building a team that will give this inquiry the experience and drive it needs to make a real difference."
Ex-Tory MP Michael Fabricant returns to reality TV with Celebrity Big Brother gig
Former Tory MP Michael Fabricant is set to make a return to reality TV after joining the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother.
Fabricant, who enjoyed a 32-year stint in the Commons, had previously appeared on Channel 4's Celebrity First Dates - prompting then-Prime Minister Theresa May to joke: "What I'm not sure about is whether my honourable friend is the celebrity or the first date."
"We wanted a top politician, but one with enormous personality which would entertain the viewers," a source told the Mail as today's news was revealed.
Starmer unleashes veiled swipe at Luton airport 'blockers' - which include LABOUR-run council
Sir Keir Starmer has issued a veiled swipe at "Nimby" blockers who opposed the newly-announced Luton Airport expansion.
On social media, Starmer blasted: "They keep trying to block us but we keep building" - but among the most vocal critics of the project have been the local Labour-run council.
Last September, councillors in North Hertfordshire reaffirmed their unanimous opposition to plans to increase Luton Airport’s capacity from 19 million to 32 million passengers per year - with Labour council leader Daniel Allen writing to MPs and then-Transport Secretary Louise Haigh to voice his "strongest possible" objections to the plans.
"We, as North Herts Council, have constantly opposed the Luton airport expansion. It flies in the face of public opinion, and we definitely do not approve of it," Allen vowed.
Scottish Parliament 'evacuated' just seconds after John Swinney swipes at Trump tariffs at FMQs
The Scottish Parliament was evacuated just seconds after John Swinney answered his final question at this week's First Minister's Questions.
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone announced that a fire had been reported in the building.
She asked all people to evacuate the building at the end of the session, including those sat in the public gallery.
Johnstone said: "That concludes First Minister's Questions. Can I have your attention please?
"A fire has been reported in this area. Visitors in the public gallery please follow the directions of security staff and evacuate to the public foyer immediately.
"People who require assistance to evacuate and those with a personal emergency evacuation plan requiring the use of a refuge point should move to the nearest available refuge point now."
Reynolds 'considering retaliatory action' after Trump's trade war
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has told the House of Commons that the Government is considering retaliating against Donald Trump's tariffs.
Addressing MPs, Reynolds said: "I am today launching a request for input on the implications for British businesses of possible retaliatory action."
He added "This is a formal step necessary for us to keep all options on the table.
"We will seek the views of UK stakeholders over four weeks until 1 May 2025 on products that could potentially be included in any UK tariff response.
"This exercise will also give businesses the chance to have their say and influence the design of any possible UK action.
"If we are in a position to agree an economic deal with the US, that lifts the tariffs that have been placed on our industries, this request for input will be paused and any measures flowing from that would be lifted.
'He doesn't condemn terrorism! Sadiq Khan accused of citing 'Hamas propaganda' in Eid speech
Sir Sadiq Khan has come under fire after being accused of citing "Hamas propaganda" in his recent Eid speech.
The Israeli Embassy led the charge against the London Mayor, also claiming Khan failed to "condemn" terrorism.
The fury came after Khan spoke about the conflict in Gaza, where Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have expanded military operations.
The Labour Mayor said: "This year, for many, the usual happiness we feel during Eid will be tempered by the appalling suffering and killing that continues in Sudan and Palestine.
"More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza as a result of Israel’s ongoing military campaign, including more than 15,000 children…these betrayals of humanity should weigh heavily on our collective conscience."
Responding to Khan's comments, a spokesman for the Israeli Embassy said: "The war is a result of the brutal and horrific attack by Hamas, a proscribed terror organisation in the UK, which was imposed on Israel on October 7, 2023.
"It is alarming that throughout the message, there is no mention of Hamas or any condemnation of terrorism and a call for the release of 59 hostages that are being held in horrific and inhumane conditions. Hamas terrorists murdered people of all faiths and none, with impunity."
'Buy British!' Trump facing 'Trudeau-style' campaign after UK slapped with 10% tariffs
Donald Trump is facing a Justin Trudeau-style Buy British campaign after the 47th President slapped the UK with 10 per cent tariffs.
Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper said: “People across the country are deeply worried about what Trump’s trade war means for their living standards, and want to know what they can do to help. We need to bring the country together, and show collectively that we won’t take Trump’s tariffs lying down.
“The Government should launch a campaign to encourage people to Buy British and support our high streets, as part of a national effort to back British businesses. That must be bolstered with a raft of serious measures to unleash the potential of our businesses including overhauling business rates, scrapping the jobs tax and fixing our trading relationship with the EU.
“Ministers also need to rule out making concessions to Trump that would damage our local farmers, threaten the NHS or undermine the online safety of our children. We need to send Trump a clear message that Britain will not be bullied, by rallying round our businesses at home and working with our Commonwealth and European allies abroad.”
WATCH IN FULL: Jonathan Reynolds vows to push for UK-US trade deal
RECAP: Keir Starmer eyes up Donald Trump trade deal after Brexit victory sees UK escape tariff 'nightmare' - 'Leaving EU saved us!'
Brexit "saved" the UK from Donald Trump's trade war nightmare, a top Tory has claimed.
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith hailed the UK's departure from the European Union after the 47th President slapped tariffs on nations around the world.
The UK was hit with a 10 per cent levy, significantly lower than the 20 per cent now facing the Brussels bloc and 34 per cent whacked on China.
In a lengthy social media thread, Griffith said: "US tariffs are disappointing news which will worry working families across the country. But our Brexit freedoms have saved us from the worst."
He added: "The silver lining is that Brexit - which Labour ministers voted against 48 times - means we face far lower tariffs than the EU: a Brexit dividend protecting thousands of British jobs and businesses."
Sir Keir Starmer could now look to take advantage of the UK's freedoms outside the EU to forge closer trade relations with the US.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “We will always act in the best interests of UK businesses and consumers. That’s why, throughout the last few weeks, the Government has been fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the United States that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship.”
A Downing Street source also said the lower levies for the UK “vindicates our approach” after weeks of intensive diplomacy by Starmer and his Labour colleagues.
'On the brink of recession!' Chris Philp blasts Labour for 'tax increase' before Trump tariffs
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has launched a scathing attack on Labour, claiming the government "took the economy to the brink of recession" before Donald Trump's new tariffs have even taken effect.
The criticism comes as the US President announced sweeping new tariffs on imports to America and the UK was hit with a 10 per cent charge.
Speaking to GB News, Philp said: "This Labour Government has taken the economy, even before these tariffs, to the brink of a recession already because of their swingeing tax increases.
"They're also massively increasing regulations on employment makes it harder to employ people. They're giving more power to trade unions, which will make it easier to strike.
"They're getting rid of all of those laws that Margaret Thatcher passed in the 1980s to make strikes harder.
"They're doing all of those terrible things. They're making it harder for landlords as well.
"All of that is going to push down economic growth and destroy jobs. So yes, I'm worried about the possibility of a recession."
'They're running scared!' Reform's Banks 'banned' from using three-word slogan as Local Elections row erupts
Political donor Arron Banks during the Reform UK campaign launch rally at the Utilita Arena on March 28, 2025 GETTYReform UK has been embroiled in a Local Elections row after Arron Banks was "banned" from using a three-word slogan by Bristol's Green-run council.
Banks, who was unveiled as Reform's candidate for the West of England mayoralty last week, fumed about his "Banksy for Bristol" slogan being blocked.
The slogan was a play on Banks's surname and Bristol's anonymous graffiti artist.
In a letter sent ahead of the election branding submission deadline, Bristol City Council claimed it was disallowing the slogan due to concerns about copyright.
'Stop chasing Reform!' Ex-Scottish Tory leader hopeful QUITS Conservatives - 'The party left me!'
A former Scottish Tory leadership hopeful has quit the party with immediate effect after warning Kemi Badenoch she has "abandoned" the centre-ground in favour of a "Reform-lite agenda".
In a scathing attack against the party's "Trump-esque" positioning, West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene said: "I do not believe that I have left the Conservative Party. I believe that the party has left me."
Greene also claimed that chasing Reform UK supporters will not deliver electoral success and instead argued the Tories had given up on young Scots and the political centre-ground.
'What about us?!' Northern Ireland misses out on Brexit dividend after being dragged into EU-US trade war
Northern Ireland appears to have missed out on a major Brexit dividend by being dragged into the EU's trade war with the US over Donald Trump's 20 per cent tariff.
Great Britain managed to swerve the harsh levy, instead landing itself with a 10 per cent trade tax.
However, Northern Irish traders will need to prove their goods stay in the province and do not cross over into the Republic of Ireland to claim money back from the Treasury.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she will be “pushing for all possible action to protect Northern Ireland, especially against any retaliatory tariffs by the EU”.
The DUP MLA stressed her options are limited and this risks further straining unionist patience with the Irish Sea border deal that many fear has put Northern Ireland’s place in the UK at risk.
Markets plunge as Trump tariffs impose 'major blow to world economy' - EU and China vow retaliation
Global markets dived overnight and continue to fall this morning amid concerns about President Donald Trump's new US tariffs as fears over a global recession intensified.
While the UK was spared the harshest treatment in Trump's tariff programme, its economy remains vulnerable to a global slowdown and any escalating trade war as the Ftse100 index dropped 1.8 per cent at opening to 8,482.7.
Stock markets in mainland China have opened with the Shanghai Composite index trading broadly flat, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng is down by 1.2 per cent.
Meanwhile Nikkei 225 in Tokyo is down by 2.9 per cent, the Kospi in South Korea is down by 1.7 per cent and Australia's ASX 200 is around 1.2 per cent lower.
WATCH IN FULL: Starmer responds to Trump's Liberation Day tariffs
Starmer's vows to respond with 'cool and calm heads' after Trump slaps UK with 10% tariff
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to respond with "cool and calm heads" after Donald Trump last night slapped the UK with a 10 per cent tariff.
Speaking this morning, the Prime Minister said: "Last night the president of the United States acted for his country, and that is his mandate.
"Today, I will act in Britain’s interests with mine."
"Nothing else will guide me, that is my focus," Starmer added.
"Clearly, there will be an economic impact from the decisions the US has taken, both here and globally.
"But I want to be crystal clear: we are prepared, indeed one of the great strengths of this nation is our ability to keep a cool head."
Nigel Farage confirms Reform will stand 'full slate' in 2025 Local Elections
Nigel Farage discusses Reform UK's latest polling and relations with Donald Trump …GB NewsNigel Farage has announced Reform UK will stand a "full slate" of candidates in the upcoming 2025 Local Elections.
The Reform UK leader, who returned to frontline politics just weeks before the 2024 General Election, spoke after nomination papers were submitted for 1,638 candidates.
Commenting on this major milestone for the party, Nigel Farage said: "I said the day after the general election last year that my mission was to professionalise the party.
"Since that day we have formed 400 branches, increased our membership to 221,000 and now have a full slate of candidates for the elections on May 1st.
"I am immensely proud of our small, professional team and our wonderful volunteers all over the country. This is a very good day for Reform UK."
The achievement comes just one year after the populist party only managed to field candidates to cover 12 per cent of wards in the 2024 Local Elections.
You may like
