Nigel Farage has accused the Prime Minister of coming close to inciting violence after Sir Keir Starmer described Reform UK as “an enemy”. Concern about political violence has soared following the murder of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and Mr Farage said the Labour leader’s remarks smacked of “desperation”.

Sir Keir told The Guardian: “History will not forgive us if we do not use every ounce of our energy to fight Reform. There is an enemy. There is a project which is detrimental to our country. It actually goes against the grain of our history. It’s right there in plain sight in front of us. We have to win this battle.”

The Reform UK leader responded, telling The Telegraph: “To call somebody in politics an enemy is language that is bordering on the inciteful. I think it’s very strong language that smacks, frankly, of total desperation.

“The only enemy the British people have got is a weak Prime Minister allowing tens of thousands of undocumented young males into our country who would do us great harm.”

Sir Keir is attempting to rally his party – which is 11 points behind Reform UK on just 20%, according to Politico’s poll of polls – as activists converge in Liverpool for the annual conference.

He has said Labour is in a “fight for the soul of the nation”.

In what will be seen as a response to widespread speculation as to whether Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham will attempt to win a Westminster seat and launch a leadership bid, Sir Keir said the party had to “unite and fight” and this was not the “time for introspection”.

Reform’s plan to scrap the “indefinite leave to remain” scheme for migrants – which allows people in the UK to qualify for permanent citizenship – has also come under strong attack.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told the Express: “I think Nigel Farage has made a big mistake,” adding: “I don’t believe we should break a promise to people who are here legally and who’ve worked here legally. I don’t think it’s the British way to break your word in that way.

“He may try to wrap himself in the flag, but what I think he did was a very un-British thing to do.”