Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is due to address the party conference in Liverpool, arguing Britain faces a defining choice between decency and division. Labour regards Reform UK as its main electoral threat and expects Starmer to widen his criticisms of the rival party during the speech, amid talk of a potential challenge to Labour from Andy Burnham. Labour also faces pressure to keep its pledges on taxation, spending and immigration.

Ahead of the address, Starmer has spoken of a battle for the soul of the country and is set to describe Reform’s immigration policy as racist in Liverpool. He is expected to present a path of renewal as a fork in the road between a country that upholds its values and is in control of its future, and one that yields to grievance. He will emphasise that the route to renewal will be hard and costly, but a fairer, more prosperous Britain is possible if people unite around the common good.

The Conservative party response characterised Starmer’s rhetoric as a cul-de-sac for the country. Its chairman, Kevin Hollinrake, said Labour would raise bills, taxes and mortgage costs, and accused the party of scandal and weak leadership. He contrasted the Conservatives, under Kemi Badenoch, as the force to strengthen the economy, secure borders and restore stability, while Labour would cling to power at the expense of the public.