Keir Starmer Adopts Stricter UK Immigration Policy Amid Reform UK Influence

Nigel Farage and Reform UK have significantly influenced Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's recent immigration crackdown, with Farage accusing Starmer of insincerity and playing catch-up on the issue. Starmer unveiled a new immigration white paper aiming to reduce net migration and warned that without stricter rules, the UK risks becoming an "island of strangers," language that drew comparisons to Farage's rhetoric and sparked backlash from both left-wing MPs and some commentators. Reform UK leader Farage criticized the plan as insufficient and accused Starmer of abandoning prior principles on migration. Meanwhile, bookmakers have made Reform UK favourites to win the next general election, with Farage also the favourite to be the next Prime Minister, reflecting the party's rising political influence following local election successes. Media figures like Andrew Pierce have acknowledged Farage's substantial impact on Starmer's policy shift. Despite this, some commentators highlight a lack of detailed policy in Starmer's announcement and question the sincerity of his stance on immigration.