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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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The Sun broke the news in United Kingdom on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
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