Starmer Regrets 'Island of Strangers' Immigration Remark

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed deep regret for using the phrase 'island of strangers' in a recent immigration policy speech, after critics drew comparisons to Enoch Powell's divisive 'rivers of blood' rhetoric. Starmer explained that neither he nor his speechwriters anticipated the phrase's negative connotations and cited personal distress from an alleged arson attack on his family home as impacting his judgment. Despite initial defense from Downing Street, Starmer now concedes the language was inappropriate and emphasizes his intent was to promote unity and fair rules in a diverse country, rather than create division. The incident has drawn criticism from inside and outside the Labour Party, who accused him of echoing inflammatory historical rhetoric. The controversy occurs as Starmer faces internal party challenges and increased scrutiny over his immigration and welfare policies. Starmer maintains that learning from this mistake is necessary for more inclusive political discourse.