Keir Starmer Apologises for Rude Commons Exchange with Plaid Cymru MP

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer apologized in the House of Commons for being "overly rude" to Plaid Cymru leader Liz Saville Roberts after calling her remarks "rubbish" during a heated exchange over his immigration policies. The confrontation stemmed from Saville Roberts' criticism that Starmer had shifted his principles on migration based on focus group feedback, contrasting his past stance of compassion and free movement with his current rhetoric about an "island of strangers". Starmer defended his approach by emphasizing the need for control, selection, and fairness in the immigration system to prevent risks from previous government policies but acknowledged his tone was inappropriate. The apology came during a subsequent Commons session when addressing Saville Roberts again, showing an effort to repair relations after internal party criticism. Labour figures noted Starmer should have clarified his communitarian message to reassure critics about his immigration stance. The controversy highlights the challenges Starmer faces balancing migration control with maintaining principles and respectful parliamentary discourse.