Keir Starmer Rejects Enoch Powell Comparisons And Stands By 'Island Of Strangers' Claim
Keir Starmer stands by his controversial claim that high levels of immigration risk making Britain “an island of strangers”.
The prime minister’s official spokesman also rejected claims that his comments made him sound like right-wing former Tory minister Enoch Powell.
Starmer sparked fury with his remarks, which were contained in a speech unveiling Labour’s plans to slash the number of migrants coming to the UK.
He said: “In a diverse nation like ours, and I celebrate that, these rules become even more important.
“Without them, we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together.”
Critics pointed out that his words were uncannily similar to those used by Powell in his infamous “rivers of blood” speech in 1968.
Powell said: “While, to the immigrant, entry to this country was admission to privileges and opportunities, the impact upon the existing population was very different. For they found themselves made strangers in their own country.”
Among those who condemned the PM was Labour MP Nadia Whittome, who said: “The step-up in anti-migrant rhetoric from the government is shameful and dangerous. Migrants are our neighbours, friends and family.
“To suggest that Britain risks becoming ‘an island of strangers’ because of immigration mimics the scaremongering of the far-right.”
But asked today if Starmer stood by his comments, his spokesman said: “Yes.”
On claims that the PM’s remarks echoed Enoch Powell’s, he said: “I reject that comparison. The prime minister has made the argument that migrants make a massive contribution to the UK and have done for generations, not least those who came after the war.
“But it is also reasonable to recognise that uncontrolled migration of recent years has put pressure on public services.”
The spokesman added: “The prime minister was using his own words to recognise the contribution immigrants have made, but also that uncontrolled migration has been too high. This government is not going to shy away from this issue.”
The spokesman also said Starmer “rejects previous speeches” made by Powell.