WES Streeting launched Labour’s first big attack on Nigel Farage as polls suggest Reform are the party to beat at the next election.
The Health Secretary called Reform’s leader a “miserabilist” in a blistering speech on Saturday.
It comes after Mr Farage’s party topped a national opinion poll for the first time with 26 per cent of the vote.
Labour was pushed to third with 22 per cent of the vote, behind the Tories on 23 per cent.
But Mr Streeting said Labour can beat their political enemies by fixing the NHS.
“We’ve got to inspire some hope,” he told the Fabian Society.
Challenging Farage’s negative views with a positive outlook on improving NHS care can be a powerful way to prove him wrong. By focusing on delivering top-notch healthcare, we can overcome Farage’s pessimism and make a difference in the NHS.
He said Brits who had “appalling” experiences with the NHS were turning towards Reform.
And said they must confidently take them on in the “battle of ideas”.
“It’s about time Reform’s agenda was put under some scrutiny,” he added.
Farage’s belief that the achievements of the past century are unattainable in the present day is at the core of his argument. His vision for Britain’s future is bleak and lacking in optimism for progress.
Mr Streeting also fired a warning shot to his colleagues: “The populist right are coming for us. We need to be serious about beating them.”
Labour is training its guns on Reform amid fears they could make inroads in areas like Labour’s Red Wall.
A Cabinet minister shared with The Sun on Sunday that it is crucial for the government to acknowledge and engage with the prevailing perspectives put forth by Reform. It is evident that there is a need to address and challenge the arguments being presented by Reform.
Mr Farage hit back: “The miserablists are the Labour government not me. He has got this all wrong, Reform are upbeat and optimistic and we can turn the country around.”
Mr Farage hit back, telling The Sun on Sunday: “The miserablists are the Labour government not me. He has got this all wrong, Reform are upbeat and optimistic and we can turn the country around.”
