Yesterday, Keir Starmer did something important: he called out Nigel Farage and Reform UK for what they are — merchants of grievance and division. In an era when nationalism and racism are on the rise, we welcome his call for decency and respect.
But if Starmer truly wants to counter Farage, he must go further.
Because the best antidote to grievance politics isn’t more flags or tighter borders. It’s a politics rooted in compassion — one that tackles inequality head-on and makes honesty and care the foundation of public life.
That means:
- Ending child poverty. Reports suggest Rachel Reeves may announce the end of the cruel two-child benefit cap in November’s budget — a step that could lift hundreds of thousands of children out of hardship and that Compassion in Politics has been calling for. However, it must be a full scrapping of the policy, not half measures. No child should be left behind because of government choices.
- Fair taxation. Using taxation to reduce inequality and fund the services needed to reduce avoidable suffering. The Chancellor has trapped herself and the country by sticking to pledges that no longer make sense in the current global and national landscape.
- Redefining success. Moving beyond GDP growth as the sole measure of progress, and putting wellbeing, justice, and sustainability at the heart of national renewal.
- Truth in politics. Making lying in politics illegal, so division cannot be fuelled by falsehoods and our democracy can be defended from those who are actively seeking to undermine it.
As I said on Al Jazeera this week, it’s not enough to criticise Farage while borrowing elements of his playbook. If we keep framing politics around grievance, nationalism, and economic growth at any cost, we will never escape the cycle of fear and division.
The real alternative is compassion.
Together, we can make sure all parties — Labour included — are held to the highest standard: not just of rhetoric, but of truth, fairness, and care.
👉 Back our Truth in Politics campaign
👉 Help us build a compassionate alternative
With determination,
Jennifer & the Compassion in Politics team