Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has disclosed that he is working in concert with the leaders of Germany and France to confront the political challenge posed by Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
A Centrist Alliance Against Populism
Sir Keir revealed that during a private dinner in Berlin last month, he, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed their shared domestic battles against both far-Right and hard-Left political movements. The trio, who Sir Keir described as 'centrist' politicians, focused on strategies to counter populist figures like Mr Farage.
The Prime Minister told The Economist that there is 'a pattern emerging' across Europe, with mainstream parties facing similar threats. He pointed to the challenges Mr Merz faces from Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and President Macron's contests with National Rally and France Unbowed.
'If you look at the situation here in the UK, it is undoubtedly true that the next election is likely to be Labour versus Reform rather than Labour versus Conservatives,' Sir Keir stated. He emphasised that this shift represents a new political dynamic for Britain, mirroring trends seen in France, Germany, and other nations.
Shared Economic and Security Concerns
The leaders' discussions extended beyond party politics to core issues affecting their citizens. Sir Keir claimed there is an 'absolute consensus' on the need to revive economic growth and tackle the cost of living, which he identified as the number one issue in the UK and a major concern across the Channel.
He argued that since the 2008 financial crash, many people have not seen an improvement in living standards but have witnessed a decline in public services. 'What's being tested here in the UK and in France and in Germany is whether mainstream politics, centrist parties can deliver against the challenges of the moment,' the PM said.
National Security and the Ukraine Stakes
Sir Keir launched a direct attack on Reform UK, framing the next election as a critical choice for European security. He claimed a government led by Nigel Farage would 'tear our country apart' and fundamentally weaken the West's support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
'The question then is are you on the side of Ukrainians or on the side of the Russians?' Sir Keir said. 'And what we've got with Reform is a party that is pro-Putin or Putin-neutral.' He highlighted that the UK, France, and Germany are leading a coalition of about 35 nations supporting Ukraine, a configuration he insisted would be impossible with Mr Farage in Downing Street.
The Prime Minister also referenced the case of Nathan Gill, Reform's former leader in Wales, who was sentenced to ten-and-a-half years in prison for taking bribes for pro-Russia interviews. Sir Keir branded Reform 'a pro-Russian party that couldn't play a meaningful part in NATO'.
In response, Reform UK rejected the Prime Minister's characterisation, pointing to recent statements where Mr Farage vowed to defend NATO airspace and called Vladimir Putin a 'very bad dude'. The party also noted its leader's criticism of Donald Trump's proposed peace plan for Ukraine.
This revelation underscores a significant realignment in British and European politics, with traditional centrist forces seeking common cause against a rising populist tide they view as a threat to both domestic stability and international security.
