Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a backlash from Labour backbenchers and business leaders after unveiling tougher immigration policies. Speaking on Monday, Starmer warned the UK risked becoming an “island of strangers” without a stricter approach, vowing to “take back control of our borders”. The move marks a significant shift from his 2020 stance, when he condemned the “scapegoating” of migrants.
Labour MPs including Sarah Owen and Nadia Whittome criticised the rhetoric. Owen urged the government not to “chase the tail of the right”, while Whittome called the language “shameful and dangerous”. Independent MP Zarah Sultana accused Starmer of imitating Enoch Powell’s infamous “rivers of blood” speech.
Downing Street defended the policy, with aides arguing that voters are concerned about high net migration, which peaked at over 900,000 under the previous government. A No 10 source said the aim is to make the system “fairer”. Official projections suggest net migration could fall to 300,000 by 2029 under the new approach.
However, employers warn that tighter rules could hinder access to critical skills, putting jobs and growth at risk. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has stressed the need for businesses to invest in domestic workers rather than relying on cheap labour from abroad. Starmer insisted that higher immigration, particularly of low-skilled workers, does not boost economic growth.
