Labour has launched a series of anti-Nigel Farage attack ads online and across Birmingham as Reform UK gears up to hold a landmark political rally in England's second city.
The ads all focus on Farage's stance on the NHS - with the Reform boss having called for a French-style insurance-based healthcare system instead of the current model.
Some read: "Can't pay? He'll take it away!" - while others quote Farage's vow to introduce an insurance-based set-up.
The campaign confirms speculation from earlier this year that Downing Street-aligned think tank Labour Together is plotting to turn the party against Reform rather than the Conservatives.
Labour Together chief Jonathan Ashworth had jabbed that Farage "screeches like a banshee when put under scrutiny" - and claimed his group's polling had found that the NHS was his "Achilles Heel".
Today's ads have seen backing from Red Wall Labour MPs including Dover & Deal's Mike Tapp - who has branded Reform "a risk to hard-working people and our precious NHS".
But they come as Reform climbs in national voting intention polls once more following a few weeks of mixed results.
The most recent national survey by Techne UK has seen Labour slip by two points to sit just one percentage point clear of Reform UK - which itself has climbed by one.
And Farage's party has hit back at Labour, too - images from tonight's conference venue show parody movie posters attacking Labour and the Tories - with one branding disgraced ex-Labour MP Mike Amesbury "Despicable MP".
'Brexit bad boy' Arron Banks to run for West of England mayor
Reform UK has revealed that "Bad boy of Brexit" and Leave.EU mega-donor Arron Banks will run for Mayor of the West of England.
Banks, who had been rumoured to contest the Runcorn & Helsby by-election, will look to unseat the Labour incumbent Dan Norris - who himself unseated Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg at the General Election to return as the MP for North East Somerset.
BREAKING: Reform UK conference DELAYED as leftie protests erupt outside
Reform UK's Birmingham campaign launch has been delayed by protesters outside
PA
Reform UK's Birmingham campaign launch has been delayed by protesters outside.
Images have emerged of trans rights, Antifa and pro-EU demonstrators making their voices heard outside the Birmingham Arena - while a party statement said: "Due to protestors outside, we will be starting our livestream from Arena Birmingham at the later time of 7.30pm."
Reform UK conference minutes away - WATCH LIVE ON GBN2
Reform UK's Birmingham conference is about to get underway.
We'll bring you live updates from the venue as they come in - with Nigel Farage, Lee Anderson and Richard Tice all set to speak.
Alternatively, you can watch the event in full, live on GBN2, GB News' second channel dedicated to providing coverage of live events.
TV licences, CVs and overflowing bins: More from Reform's Birmingham mega-conference
More details are emerging from the Birmingham Arena ahead of Reform UK's local election campaign launch tonight.
The party has installed a number of overfilled rubbish bins around the venue - with items like a ripped-up TV licence bearing the name "Lee Anderson" and a mock Rachel Reeves CV.
There are also posters depicting Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson as clowns, a blue Reform UK bus and a mock town including a "Labourbrokes" betting shop and a barber shop named "Keir'z Kutz" with the slogan: "Cutting everything but tax".
Reform UK's local election campaign slogan REVEALED
Reform UK is readying up to launch its local election campaign tonight
REFORM UK
Reform UK is readying up to launch its local election campaign tonight - and while Labour is attacking Nigel Farage for his NHS stance, his party is taking aim at "broken" councils.
"Your council is broken. Reform will fix it," a mocked-up bus stop inside the Birmingham Arena says.
David Lammy spends over £1m on private flights in just THREE MONTHS - over £14k per day
David Lammy has splurged more than £1million in taxpayer cash on private flights in just three months, according to newly-released official figures.
The Foreign Secretary's air travel bill reached £1,230,611.39 between October and December 2024 - a 34.3 per cent increase compared to the previous three-month period.
The latest figures follow earlier revelations that Lammy had already spent £916,177 on flights in the first three months after the election.
For every day during this recent three-month period, the Foreign Secretary spent £14,650 on air travel.
The majority of Lammy's travel expenses were attributed to his use of the largest jet in the ministerial fleet. Private flights on an Airbus A321-251NX(LR) accounted for £1,088,549.06 of the total bill.
The remaining portion of the £1.23 million expenditure was spent on other forms of air travel.
But in another blow to taxpayers, these figures only represent the Foreign Secretary's personal travel costs during the three-month period - with his department's overall ministerial overseas travel spending soaring to £1,368,679.56.
GB News has approached David Lammy for comment.
Starmer risks Welsh REVOLT on benefits cuts as it's revealed Liz Kendall hasn't replied to First Minister's letter for two weeks
Sir Keir Starmer could face a Welsh revolt over his benefits cuts after the country's Labour First Minister refused to back him on the move.
FM Eluned Morgan told the Senedd she will "reserve" her position on the cuts until she hears back from Work & Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall - who has not replied to her letter for over two weeks.
"I have yet to get a firm understanding of how [the changes] will impact on Wales, and until I'm clear about the impacts, I want to reserve my position," Morgan said.
She had written to Kendall on March 11 demanding an assessment of the changes on Wales.
But she told Senedd scrutiny committee members on Friday: "I still haven't received a response from her", and that she would be "chasing that today".
Just hours remain until Reform UK's 'largest ever rally in modern British political history' - as hard-left prepares to descend on Birmingham
Just over three hours remain until Reform UK kicks off its local election campaign - but the event is set to be subjected to protests from the hard-left
X/PA
Just over three hours remain until Reform UK kicks off its local election campaign in what the party has branded the "largest ever rally in British political history".
Thousands of supporters, candidates, party top brass and more are heading to the Arena Birmingham for a major conference from 6.30pm.
But the event is set to be subjected to protests from the hard-left - with suspended Labour trio Zarah Sultana, Apsana Begum and John McDonnell all appearing at a "no thanks, Nigel" rally at the same time.
The demonstration, led by Sultana, vows to "send a clear message" that they "reject Reform's divisive blame game".
We'll bring you live updates from both rallies as they come in...
'National economic SUICIDE!' Liz Truss fumes as Scunthorpe closure outrage goes international
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has branded the closure of Scunthorpe's steel blast furnaces "national economic suicide" after news of the shut-downs reached the US.
Republican Congressman Riley Moore, reacting to headlines about British Steel's widely-condemned plans to shut the furnaces, said: "Net zero climate policies have drastically driven up the cost of energy in the West.
"This is threatening critical industries, with the latest victim being steel production in the UK. I will never allow these extremists to threaten American industry and displace our workforce."
In reply, Truss said: "This is national economic suicide and must be reversed as soon as a new Government is elected.
"Imagine what our forefathers in Britain, who invented this technology, would have thought of us closing down our last steel production."
Donald Trump is giving Russia 'far too much' ground in the Ukraine peace negotiations, Nigel Farage warns
Nigel Farage has condemned Donald Trump for giving Russia 'far too much' ground in Ukraine peace negotiations, marking a rare split with his long-term ally
NIGEL FARAGENigel Farage has condemned Donald Trump for giving Russia "far too much" ground in Ukraine peace negotiations, marking a rare split with his long-term ally.
The Reform UK leader said his party would "absolutely not" be fully aligned with the White House's approach to ceasefire talks.
Trump has agreed to the Kremlin's demands that international sanctions be lifted in return for a partial truce in the Black Sea.
The former president is also seeking an unprecedented new deal with Kyiv that would give America control over Ukrainian minerals and energy assets.
Speaking to the BBC, Farage said Moscow appeared to be getting "far too much" in negotiations with the US.
"It's quite right to aim for peace, but we can't have a peace that turns Putin into a winner, so I would not be 100 per cent with where his team is right now, absolutely not," he said
Prevent chief leaves job after Yvette Cooper 'concerned' with damning review and failure to stop Southport killer Axel Rudakubana
Prevent chief leaves job after damning review and failing to stop Southport killer Axel RudakubanaMERSEYSIDE POLICEThe head of Prevent has left his job following a damning review and failure to stop the Southport killer, it has been claimed.
Michael Stewart left the post as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had been concerned about a damning review that revealed the failures of Prevent to stop Axel Rudakubana’s killing spree last July.
A quick "Prevent learning review" conducted into the Southport attack revealed that counterterrorism police missed several opportunities to stop Rudakubana due to spelling mistakes.
'Endorsing two tier policing!' Labour MP slams fresh 'anti-racist' pledge as 'woke overreach' in split from own party's stance
A Labour MP has broken with his party and slammed police chiefs for 'woke overreach' over a fresh commitment to 'become anti-racist' (stock image)GettyA Labour MP has broken with his party and slammed police chiefs for “woke overreach” over a fresh commitment to “become anti-racist.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) published an anti-racism commitment for all forces in the UK earlier this week.
The report calls for an end to racial disparities in policing outcomes.
Labour’s ‘pub banter’ crackdown allows people to ‘sue for hurt feelings’ and is ‘threat to free speech’, EHRC warns
Labour's Employment Rights Bill could threaten free speech in Britain, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has warnedGettyLabour's Employment Rights Bill could threaten free speech in Britain, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has warned.
The watchdog has raised concerns about new rules requiring companies to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent harassment of staff by third parties.
In a briefing to peers, the EHRC cautioned that these measures are too broad-brush and could lead to "excessive limitations on debate".
Former mayor of Liverpool in court over corruption probe
Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has been charged with bribery and misconductPAFormer Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has appeared in court facing corruption charges.
The 67-year-old was one of 12 people charged as part of Operation Aloft, an investigation into Liverpool City Council contracts.
Anderson indicated not guilty pleas to charges of bribery, misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.
He appeared at Preston Magistrates' Court on Friday.
One of the misconduct charges alleges Anderson sent and/or arranged to have sent "threatening letters" to himself.
The ex-social worker, from Knotty Ash in Liverpool, served as mayor from 2012 until 2021.
Operation Aloft was launched to investigate the awarding of commercial and business contracts from Liverpool City Council between 2010 and 2020.
In a statement posted on social media site X, Anderson previously said: "I am innocent of charges and will fight to clear my name."
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood 'humiliated' by Sentencing Council, says Robert Jenrick
Robert JenrickGETTYShadow justice secretary, Robert Jenrick says Shabana Mahmood has been "humiliated' by the Sentencing Council after her request to review guidelines - dubbed 'two-tier' by critics - was rejected.
Jenrick said: “Shabana Mahmood has been humiliated by the Sentencing Council.
"In three days time we will have two-tier sentencing because of her and Two-Tier Keir.
"It is shameful they sat on their hands and chose not to legislate to prevent two-tier justice.”
Sentencing Council REJECTS call to drop new 'two-tier' sentencing guidelines
The Sentencing Council has rejected Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood's request to review controversial sentencing guidelines for criminals from ethnic, cultural or faith minorities.
The independent body held a special meeting to consider the justice secretary's demand that it changes recommendations that pre-sentence reports "will normally be considered necessary" for these groups.
In a letter to Mahmood, Lord Justice William Davis, chair of the Sentencing Council, defended the guidelines which apply to courts in England and Wales.
The Council "concluded that no errors were made" in the process of developing the guidelines. Mahmood had previously expressed opposition to the recommendations herself.
The guidelines have been branded as "two tier" by critics, with the Conservative opposition claiming they show "blatant bias" against Christians and straight white men.
Nigel Farage outlines how he would end tariff row with Donald Trump as he explains US trade deal proposal
Nigel Farage and President Trump are long term allies GETTYNigel Farage has revealed exactly what he would go about ending the tariff row with President Trump.
The Reform UK leader is a Trump ally and has often talked up his right-wing counterpart.
He was grilled on BBC Radio 4 today about whether he condones Trump’s actions which could pummel UK businesses.
Speaking to Nick Robinson, he said the whole row could have been avoided if Britain arranged a free trade deal with the US in 2017, claiming the previous Tory government had the opportunist to do so.
Labour opens first ever 'green' all-electric mega-prison to house 1,500 inmates
Labour opens first ever 'green' all-electric mega-prison to house 1,500 inmatesPA
Labour has opened the first ever “green” all-electric mega-prison to house 1,500 inmates.
“Megaprison” HMP Millsike in East Yorkshire is set to become one of the UK’s biggest jails and the first of four to be built as part of the Government’s plans to create 14,000 additional prison places by 2031.
The all-electric facility, featuring solar panels and heat pump technology, has been constructed adjacent to the maximum-security HMP Full Sutton, which holds nearly 600 category A and B male inmates.
Keir Starmer’s director of communications QUITS after just nine months
Keir Starmer’s communications director, Matthew Doyle, is stepping down after nine months in No 10.
Doyle is the second senior member of Starmer’s team to be in post for less than a year after the General Election.
The senior special adviser is leaving that Downing Street’s strategy and messaging have settled following the initial turbulence of the administration, according to The Guardian.
His responsibilities will be divided between James Lyons, who will oversee communications strategy, and Steph Driver, who will manage communications delivery.
UK economy stalls under Rachel Reeves, GDP figures reveal
The UK economy expanded more than initially estimated in the first half of last year but has shown minimal growth since Labour took office last summer, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The ONS revised its GDP growth estimate for January to March 2024 from 0.8 per cent to 0.9 per cent, while second-quarter growth was adjusted from 0.4 per cent to 0.5 per cent.
Labour took power in July during the third quarter, for which GDP remained flat at 0.0 per cent. The fourth-quarter estimate remained unchanged at 0.1 per cent growth.
Following the upward revisions, the ONS reported that the UK economy grew by 1.1 per cent in 2024, an increase from the previous estimate of 0.9 per cent.
Grant Fitzner, the ONS chief economist, noted that the revised GDP figures suggest the economy performed slightly better in the first half of last year than initially thought but has shown little growth since last summer.
Labour councillor facing complaint over grooming gangs vote after ‘warning’ her paedophile son of arrest
Councillor Carol Clark and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council HQ
A Teesside councillor is facing a complaint after she voted against a motion calling for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal despite allegedly “warning” her paedophile son ahead of his arrest.
Labour politician Carol Clark, who chairs the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Children and Young People Committee, is under fire for not declaring a potential conflict of interest due to her son’s criminal history.
Cllr Clark’s son Richard was jailed for 12 years in 2018 after the “malign puppet master” paedophile coerced people to abuse their own children.
Rachel Reeves on course to be less popular than Liz Truss's mini-budget Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng after Spring Statement
Rachel Reeves on course to be less popular than Liz Truss's mini-budget Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng after Spring Statement
Getty
Rachel Reeves is rapidly becoming as unpopular as Kwasi Kwarteng, the Chancellor behind Liz Truss's catastrophic mini-budget.
The current Chancellor's approval ratings are plummeting towards the historic lows seen during the 2022 financial crisis that ended Truss's premiership after just 49 days.
A damning Ipsos poll released yesterday shows just one in five believe Reeves is doing a good job, with half saying she is performing badly.
Her approval rating stands at -32, just five points above Kwarteng's post-mini-budget score of -37.
The poll was conducted as Reeves unveiled a fresh round of benefit cuts in her Spring Statement.
Civil servants rally against Angela Rayner as staff strike against returning to office
Deputy Prime Minister Angela RaynerGETTYCivil servants working for Angela Rayner have voted to strike over demands to attend the office three days a week, just as the Deputy Prime Minister pushes forward with her Employment Rights Bill.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said Rayner's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government staff are planning action over office closures and "rigid office attendance policies".
Members also object to restrictions on which jobs can be done from which offices. They have raised concerns about limited promotion opportunities.
Fran Heathcote, the general secretary of the PCS, said: "As the main face of the Employment Rights Bill, the Deputy Prime Minister must match her words with action and listen to her own workers."
The timing is particularly awkward for Rayner as she champions workplace reforms. Her reforms, currently progressing through Parliament, would give unions twice as long to strike after an initial ballot.
RECAP: Keir Starmer vows MPs WILL vote on sending British soldiers to Ukraine as he prepares to deploy military top brass to Kyiv
'If we were to deploy in any scenario on a long-term basis then of course Parliament will have a say in that,' Starmer told GB NewsREUTERSSir Keir Starmer has vowed that MPs will have a vote on sending British soldiers to Ukraine "in any scenario on a long-term basis".
After facing calls from the leaders of the Tories, Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats to put the deployment of troops to Parliament, Starmer has confirmed the Commons "will have a say".
A triple-pronged approach will see military experts from Europe's three largest economies work together on plans that could be implemented when a peace agreement is eventually reached.