Keir Starmer 'completely rejects' comparisons with Enoch Powell
But Starmer's official spokesperson told journalists: "The prime minister rejects those comparisons and absolutely stands behind the argument he was making."
The spokesperson added that reducing migration will mean a boost in domestic skills training and capacity.
He also doubled down on Starmer's words that migration had done "incalculable damage".
READ MORE: John Swinney: Scotland will have independence option while I'm leader
The spokesperson said: "We have welcomed immigrants for decades, but [immigration is] too high and must come down."
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also dodged questions in Tuesday morning's media rounds about whether Starmer's speech echoed former Conservative MP Powell.
At the end of a three-minute grilling on Good Morning Britain where host Susanna Reid repeatedly pressed for answers, Cooper said she did not know Starmer was going to use the phrase, but refused to say whether she would have used such language herself.
Scottish Care CEO Donald Macaskill was one of many to compare Starmer to Powell, telling The National he felt the language used by the Prime Minister had "echoes of Powell at his worst".
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell also said that Starmer was 'reflecting the language' of Powell's 1968 speech and Labour backbencher Olivia Blake said what Starmer said might 'risk legitimising the same far-right violence we saw in last year's summer riots.'
Powell's speech at the time outraged members of the Conservatives so much he was later sacked from the Cabinet.
Starmer was speaking ahead of the publication of a white paper called Restoring Control Over The Immigration System.
READ MORE: Anas Sarwar stays silent as UK Labour undermine him on immigration
Among the proposals are plans to introduce English tests for all visa applicants and reducing overseas recruitment of care workers.
Migrants will have to live in the UK for a decade before they can apply for citizenship.
The change from five to 10 years will come with exceptions for people who make a "high contribution" to the economy or society, who will able to be fast-tracked for permanent settlement rights.
Meanwhile, skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said Starmer has been 'listening and learning' from his party following the speech.
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