Portrait of Keir Starmer
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Keir Starmer on Immigration

Immigration Restrictionist (strong) Position evolved

Keir Starmer's views and policies on Immigration have evolved significantly, moving from earlier support for broader migration rights to a current focus on substantial reduction of net migration figures.

Upon entering office, Starmer immediately cancelled the Conservative government's Rwanda asylum plan and established a Border Security Command to combat illegal Channel crossings. Following high net migration statistics, Starmer announced policies aimed at curbing numbers, citing potential societal damage from high levels of immigration.

This shift led to controversy, particularly due to his use of the phrase "island of strangers," which he later regretted for its perceived echoes of Enoch Powell. His government has since implemented restrictive measures, including a 'one in, one out' migrant deal with France, though the practical enforcement of returns has faced immediate challenges and cancellations.

Timeline

  1. Keir Starmer pledged during the general election campaign to reduce the record high level of legal immigration to the UK.
  2. One of Starmer's first acts as Prime Minister was declaring the Rwanda asylum plan "dead and buried."
  3. Following record net migration figures, Starmer confirmed his government would introduce policies aimed at reducing immigration levels.
  4. Starmer gave a speech and published a white paper stating the UK risked becoming an "island of strangers" due to high immigration.
  5. Starmer apologized for his "island of strangers" comment, admitting the phrase was "not right" and regretting its similarity to Enoch Powell's speech.
  6. The government announced a new 'one in, one out' migrant deal with France, set to begin within weeks.
  7. Starmer described the decrease in net migration to 204,000 for the year ending June 2025 as a "step in the right direction."

Actions Taken

  1. Asylum Policy Change
    Cancelled the Rwanda asylum plan immediately upon taking office.
  2. Border Control
    Established the Border Security Command to tackle smuggling gangs facilitating illegal crossings over the English Channel.
  3. Bilateral Agreement
    Announced a new 'one in, one out' migrant deal with France, intended to restrict new arrivals based on departures.
  4. Legislation/Plan
    Presented the 2025 UK refugee plan to Parliament, outlining further immigration reforms.
  5. Foreign Policy/Regulation
    Suspended 30 of 350 arms export licences to Israel due to a clear risk of violating international law, though overall arms export value remained high.

Key Quotes

He said that high immigration had done "incalculable damage" to society.

Immigration white paper speech May 1, 2025 — Stating the rationale for new restrictive immigration policies.

I deeply regret using it. The phrase "wasn't right."

Statement on 'island of strangers' comment June 1, 2025 — Apologizing for controversial language about immigration.

I won't shy away from calling it what it is – far-right thuggery.

Statement following riots August 4, 2024 — Addressing public disorder, which relates to broader issues of policing and social cohesion.

Criticism

The left wing of the Labour Party

Criticised the language used in Starmer's May 2025 speech on immigration for having perceived echoes of Enoch Powell's 'Rivers of Blood' speech.

Charities and legal groups

Threatened legal action and protested, leading to the cancellation of the first planned migrant deportation flight under the new French deal.

Elon Musk

Suggested Starmer was not protecting all communities due to a perceived 'two-tier' policing system, following riots.

Comparison

  • Pre-2020 Leadership Pledges: Starmer abandoned his 2020 leadership pledge supporting freedom of movement with the EU, citing changing economic circumstances.
  • Conservative Policy: He immediately ended the controversial Rwanda asylum plan championed by the previous Conservative government, marking a clear break in approach to illegal migration.
  • Rhetoric Shift: His later rhetoric, particularly the "island of strangers" comment, was seen by some critics as moving closer to language previously used by right-wing figures, contrasting with his previous centrist positioning.
Sources5

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.