Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has come to the defense of Sir Keir Starmer’s choice of language in a speech outlining plans to reduce immigration. The prime minister recently warned that without stricter controls, the UK could become “an island of strangers,” sparking accusations of divisive language from some Labour MPs. However, Cooper dismissed these claims, emphasizing the need to address the impact of increased migration and promote integration through measures like English language tests.
In light of the criticism, Cooper rejected comparisons drawn by certain Labour MPs, including former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, to Enoch Powell’s infamous “Rivers of Blood speech” from 1968. She highlighted the distinction between Starmer’s speech and Powell’s rhetoric, underscoring the importance of focusing on policies rather than isolated phrases. Downing Street also distanced itself from the comparison, affirming the prime minister’s commitment to acknowledging the positive contributions of migrants while advocating for controlled migration.
During a radio interview, Cooper stressed that the prime minister’s remarks underscored the UK’s diversity as a source of strength, challenging the notion that his language was inherently divisive. Meanwhile, Labour Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan expressed a different approach, stating that he would not have used the phrase “island of strangers” himself, despite understanding the government’s context for introducing new migration measures. Echoing the prime minister’s sentiments, Conservative shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick supported Starmer’s warning about the potential for the UK to become a fragmented society in certain areas.
In a parliamentary exchange, McDonnell cautioned against the use of incendiary language in discussing legislation, particularly one as significant as immigration reform. His concerns were echoed by Labour MP Nadia Whittome, who criticized the scapegoating of immigrants for societal issues and warned of the potential for escalating racial tensions. The backdrop for these discussions is the recent local elections in England, where Labour suffered losses to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, signaling a shift in the political landscape and the public’s demand for substantive action on immigration
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