Downing Street has defended Labour leader Keir Starmer's controversial immigration language likened to Enoch Powell's rhetoric, emphasizing the need for direct discussions on immigration. Critics within the party have voiced concern about Starmer's warning of the UK becoming an "island of strangers," reminiscent of Powell's infamous speech. Labour's Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, disagreed with the phrase yet supports broader immigration reforms advocated by Starmer, while other Labour MPs expressed alarm over the implications of such language, fearing it could lead the party down a troubling path.
A Downing Street source emphasized the need for tough words and policies to address immigration, criticizing the previous Conservative government's handling of the issue by stating, "The Tories left immigration to run completely out of control, with 1 million people coming here in a single year." They stressed the necessity for direct communication about immigration, noting that the electorate expects control over the situation.
In response to the controversy regarding Starmer's immigration comments, Sadiq Khan noted, "The sort of language I use is different to the language used by others," while still supporting Starmer's overall immigration policy stance.
Labour MP Sarah Owen expressed concerns over Starmer's rhetoric, stating, "Chasing the tail of the right risks taking our country down a very dark path," highlighting the fears within her party regarding the implications of such language.
Zarah Sultana, a former Labour MP, condemned Starmer's echoing of Enoch Powell's language, asserting that it could endanger lives, describing the situation as a disgrace and illustrating the divisive nature of the debate within the party.
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