US EditionPM rejects Enoch Powell comparison after 'island of strangers' comment
- On May 12, 2025, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer outlined plans to reduce UK immigration, warning the country risks becoming an 'island of strangers' without stricter controls.
- The statement prompted controversy and sparked debate among Labour Party members and others, who drew parallels to Enoch Powell's 1968 'Rivers of Blood' speech and questioned the tone and implications of the language employed.
- Starmer's proposals include scrapping care worker visas, raising English language requirements for migrants, and aiming to cut immigration by up to 100,000 people per year amid concerns over workforce shortages and system control.
- Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended Starmer's language, emphasizing migrants' vital contributions and rejecting parallels to Powell's speech, while critics warned of increased division and risks of legitimizing far-right rhetoric.
- The immigration plans and accompanying rhetoric sparked broad political debate about migration policy, integration, and social cohesion, with calls for focusing on policy substance rather than divisive language.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Keir Starmer rejects Enoch Powell comparison as Labour MPs fume over 'island of strangers' migration comment
Sir Keir Starmer has rejected being compared to firebrand former Tory MP Enoch Powell after warning Britain risks becoming an "island of strangers".The Prime Minister faced mounting pressure from Labour MPs after being accused of mimicking "the scaremongering of the far-right". During his keynote migration speech on Monday, the Prime Minister also vowed to adopt Vote Leave's "take back control" pledge and even admitted that higher immigration do…
Labour Reject Enoch Powell Comparisons Following Starmer Speech
Yvette Cooper has rejected claims that Keir Starmer consciously cribbed from Enoch Powell during his speech on migration. Plus: The US and Saudi Arabia have agreed to $600bn in AI and defence deals; and US streamer Hasan Piker has been detained for several hours at the US border. With Aaron Bastani, Stella Tsantekidou and Harriet Williamson.…
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