Starmer Mocks Farage Over Hiring Truss for Reform UK

During Prime Minister's Questions, Keir Starmer mocked Nigel Farage for reportedly recruiting former Prime Minister Liz Truss as a top advisor to Reform UK, referencing her brief and tumultuous tenure and the fallout from her mini-Budget. Starmer criticized Reform UK's policies, claiming a vote for the party would mean NHS charges, a pro-Putin foreign policy, and opposition to workers’ rights. The exchange was sparked by Farage's demand for a 'national emergency' over illegal immigration, with Farage blaming government spending on housing migrants for public resentment. Starmer countered that Reform UK had voted against tougher government measures to address illegal crossings and people smuggling. Reports indicate Truss has advised Reform UK on strategies to challenge the political establishment, drawing further scrutiny to Farage’s leadership choices. The heated debate comes ahead of local elections, with both leaders attempting to draw sharp contrasts in their approaches to immigration and public policy.