Keir Starmer 'deeply' regrets using 'island of strangers' phrase in immigration warning
- On May 12, 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a speech warning Britain risks becoming an 'island of strangers' without tighter border controls.
- Starmer's statement drew immediate criticism for echoing phrases from Enoch Powell's notorious 1968 'rivers of blood' speech, though Starmer said he was unaware of the similarity.
- The prime minister disclosed that he was unsettled and not in an ideal condition to deliver his speech following a firebomb incident at his Kentish Town residence just days before the conference.
- Starmer acknowledged that the phrase was inappropriate and expressed sincere remorse for his choice of words, while strongly denying any likeness to Powell.
- Following backlash, Starmer backed down on aspects of his speech language, doubled down on immigration policies, and implied the party must better connect with working-class voters.
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Tom Harwood delivers scathing verdict on Keir Starmer U-turn
GB News host Tom Harwood has torn into Sir Keir Starmer's latest U-turn, questioning if the Prime Minister "believes in anything at all".In his speech on immigration last month, Starmer claimed that Britain could one day become an "island of strangers", with many striking similarities in the language to former firebrand Conservative MP Enoch Powell.FULL STORY HERE.
Keir Starmer admits he 'deeply regrets' his 'island of strangers' immigration remark - The Mirror
Keir Starmer said he and his advisors were unaware of similarities between his words and Enoch Powell's vile Rivers of Blood speech - saying he said it hours after his family home was targeted by arsonists
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