UK Home Secretary Defends Starmer Immigration Language Amid Backlash

Keir Starmer's recent speech unveiling plans to cut immigration sparked controversy due to his use of the phrase "island of strangers," which some critics likened to Enoch Powell's infamous 'Rivers of Blood' speech. While Starmer's language drew criticism from both left-wing MPs, who viewed it as divisive and reminiscent of Powell's rhetoric, and right-wing commentators, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the prime minister, rejecting comparisons to Powell and emphasizing the need to manage migration and support integration. Cooper stated that Starmer's intent was to highlight the impact of rising migration and the importance of fair rules in a diverse nation, insisting the UK remains a strong and diverse country. However, Cooper distanced herself from the phrase itself during media appearances, refusing to label the UK as an "island of strangers," and emphasized that migration levels need to be controlled alongside investments in skills and training. The debate has shifted focus away from the policy details of the immigration bill to the language used, stirring a wider discussion on social cohesion and the political handling of immigration rhetoric. The controversy illustrates tensions within the Labour Party and the broader UK political landscape regarding immigration and national identity.