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: 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 honesty.

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 an honest alternative

With determination,
Jennifer & the Compassion in Politics team