Labour leader Keir Starmer criticized Nigel Farage as “completely lacking in courage” for not denouncing a Reform UK councilor’s derogatory remarks about children in care. The Prime Minister condemned the Reform UK leader for evading the issue and attempting to divert attention to the council’s actions on asylum hotels instead.
During a session of PMQs, Labour MP Darren Paffey highlighted the offensive comments made by Reform UK’s Andy Osborn, currently under investigation for breaching the members’ code of conduct. Paffey called on Starmer to condemn the “disgraceful” comments and reaffirm the government’s commitment to supporting care leavers.
In response, the PM emphasized the importance of supporting all children to reach their potential, particularly care leavers, through initiatives like the children’s Wellbeing Bill. He expressed disappointment in the opposition parties for voting against the bill and labeled the remarks about children in care as “appalling.”
Farage’s response, limited to 30 seconds, shifted the focus to the closure of migrant hotels by the Reform-led West Northamptonshire Council in response to safety concerns. He sought the PM’s approval for expediting the closure process.
Starmer also criticized Farage for his inaction regarding MP Sarah Pochin’s controversial remarks and labeled him as “spineless” for failing to address both instances. Previously, Farage had expressed dissatisfaction with Pochin’s comments but defended her intentions against accusations of racism.
Pochin later apologized for any offense caused by her comments and clarified that she did not mean to be discriminatory, attributing her poor phrasing to the misunderstanding.
