Keir Starmer's approach to immigration has evolved since his 2020 tenure as Labour leader, reflecting pressures from political rivals and public sentiment. Recently, he emphasized the need for stricter border controls to combat rising inward migration, warning against a potential 'island of strangers.' While his aides claim this is a long-held stance, party members, particularly from the left, have raised concerns that such rhetoric may alienate traditional Labour values and mirror right-wing fears. They advocate for community investment instead, arguing that focusing on migrants as scapegoats is counterproductive and dangerous.
For those who believe that he has already pitched too far to the right in response to the rise in support for Reform UK, his rhetoric on immigration will bite.
The step-up in anti-migrant rhetoric from the government is shameful and dangerous. Migrants are our neighbours, friends and family.
Chasing the tail of the right risks taking our country down a very dark path, she warned, urging the government not to risk pitting people against each other.
Starmer warned that the UK risked becoming an island of strangers without a tougher approach, and said the government would take back control of our borders.
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