PM says Reform plan 'racist' and Labour eyes 'good citizen test'
- Published
Several papers lead with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's comments to the BBC that Reform UK's immigration plans are "racist". Sir Keir said the party's proposals could "rip this country apart" ahead of Labour's conference this week.
Starmer's comments on Reform's immigration plans also lead the Daily Mail. Nigel Farage said Labour "do not believe in border controls" and described Sir Keir's remarks as an "insult" to voters who want the government to control who is allowed to live in the UK.
Labour officials will "ramp up efforts to contact voters who may be considering voting Reform", according to the Guardian. The paper reports several cabinet ministers will launch attacks on Reform UK during their party conference this week, as party members have been urged to "turn their fire on Farage rather than Starmer's leadership".
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will tell Labour's party conference that the conditions to earn the right to settle in the UK will be tightened, according to the Daily Telegraph. Under the plans, people seeking indefinite leave to remain will have to pay National Insurance, not be on benefits and have a clean criminal record. The paper is one of several to feature a photo of Shane Lowry, who kept his nerve to sink the putt which guaranteed Europe glory at the Ryder Cup.
The Times also leads with Mahmood's pledge to introduce a "good citizens" test for migrants, which the paper reports is the "the latest hardening of Labour's immigration policy". The paper says the proposal is part of government efforts to "stymie" Reform, which last week said it would abolish indefinite leave to remain altogether.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil a policy which will see all young people not in work or education for 18 months offered a paid work placement, the Daily Mirror reports. Those who refuse the offer will face sanctions, including being stripped of benefits. "Too many people's potential is wasted," Reeves has said.
The i paper also leads its coverage on Monday with Reeves's proposed Youth Guarantee scheme. It will be trialled in several areas including Liverpool, Tees Valley and the West Midlands.
The Financial Times leads on fears a £1.5bn loan underwritten by the government to support carmaker JLR could create "moral hazard". JLR production has been halted since a cyberattack in late August, putting 200,000 jobs at risk. The paper quotes Tom Clougherty, executive director of the Institute of Economic Affairs, who says his "biggest concern" is that the loan represents a further expansion of the government into economic life.
A "huge no-go area" will be established around the new home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, according to the Sun. CCTV cameras, fencing and landscaping will keep people away from the royals' Berkshire home, with dog walkers describing the loss of access as a "kick in the teeth".
Liam Gallagher's hint that Oasis could be back on stage together before long leads the Daily Star. The singer told a Wembley crowd "see you next year" as Oasis brought the UK leg of their comeback tour to a close this weekend. The Star says it is the "strongest hint yet there will be more UK concerts".
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