Labour leader Keir Starmer has acknowledged that left-leaning parties, including his own, historically avoided addressing public concerns regarding illegal immigration, a significant shift in rhetoric as his party seeks to counter the rising influence of Reform UK.
In an article published Tuesday in the Telegraph, Starmer stated, “There is no doubt that for years, left-wing parties, including my own, did shy away from people’s concerns around illegal immigration.” He further argued it has been “too easy for people to enter the country, work in the shadow economy and remain illegally.” This admission comes as Labour attempts to regain ground with voters possibly drawn to Reform UK’s stricter immigration policies.
Starmer called for a “patriotic national renewal, based on enduring British values” and urged “fair-minded Britons” to reject what he described as Reform’s “toxic” solutions. he also cautioned against divisive online discourse and warned of a potential “violent struggle” for the future of the nation.
The Labour leader’s comments coincide with a broader government strategy to address concerns about asylum seekers and local communities. Addressing protests that occurred outside UK asylum hotels this summer, Starmer said his party would ”reject the quick-fix solutions from those who want to divide” and rather prioritize “restoring power to local communities.”
On Thursday, the government announced a £5 billion funding boost for 339 “overlooked” communities, with spending decisions to be made by local stakeholders. this initiative builds upon a previously pledged £1.5 billion allocated to 75 of the UK’s “most deprived” areas earlier in the year, and is intended to address economic disparities and bolster support in areas feeling the strain of recent social and political shifts.
