Reform UK often wraps itself in the flag, shouting the loudest about “British values” and “putting Britain first.” But true patriotism isn’t about slogans or scapegoating – it’s about building a country that works for all its people. On that front, Labour – not Reform – is the party that truly puts Britain first.
Labour stands with the British workforce. From defending steelworkers and supporting green industries, to investing in apprenticeships and securing fair wages, Labour believes in backing British jobs and skills. Labours Employment Rights Bill that will give more protection at work, better conditions and standards, proper pay and fair treatment is in tune with the British people. Reform, meanwhile, voted against this measure and pushes for deregulation and tax cuts for the wealthy, which leaves ordinary workers behind. But if Labour is to truly cement itself as the patriotic party of working people, we need to ensure that work pays and that means ensuring working people keep more of the money they earn. The Labour needs to review its economic policy so that at the earliest opportunity the government can look to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and working people. This will show we are on their side and support plans for growth.
A patriotic government protects what makes Britain great – our NHS, schools, and local communities. Labour is rebuilding these institutions after years of underfunding. Reform’s policies would see further cuts, risking the very fabric of our national life. There’s nothing patriotic about privatising public health or undermining teachers and nurses. Farage is on record as wanting to look at an American style insurance model for UK healthcare which millions of working-class people in the UK simply could not afford. No government gets everything right, but the government is making progress. NHS waiting times are coming down, and if Labour focusses on big issues like waiting lists, improving cancer treatment and hospital cleanliness then patients and voters will see results and instinctively support Labour. We shouldn’t waste time on smaller issues that can be seen as divisive such as the assisted dying bill, the smoking and vaping bill, or arguments over gender. Delivering on the big issues is what voters want.
Labour offers serious, responsible leadership. Reform thrives on division by scapegoating migrants, attacking trade unions, and offering simplistic slogans instead of solutions. Real patriots bring people together and offer a vision that unites our diverse nation. Labour is focused on delivering dignity, opportunity, and fairness to every corner of Britain. Labour will not stand by and allow Reform to divide communities. But that is not enough. We need to show we are the true one nation party, and we do that by delivering the public service reform, economic growth and strong defence that everyone benefits from and we positively tell people that we’re doing it and do so proudly.
Labour wants Britain to lead on clean energy, modern industries, and global cooperation as a means by which we can ensure our own security and freedom. Reform wants to pull up the drawbridge and retreat from the world. Whether its their fawning over President Putin and their opposition to Labours energy security they are failing to call the big decisions. But now we are not successfully communicating the benefits of our policies and the positive impact they will have on the economy. That needs to change. Labour believes our best days are ahead and not behind us. That’s what real patriotism looks like: optimism, ambition, and action. Not noise from the sidelines. But we need to tell that story.
If we do this, the next time Reform claims to be “the patriotic choice,” ask yourself – who’s really standing up for Britain’s people, public services, and future? The answer is Labour.
