PM risks ‘legitimising far-right violence' with ‘island of strangers' claim
Charities and Labour backbenchers raised concerns over the language used by the Prime Minister as he outlined the need for better integration in the country, alongside measures aimed at reducing the number of people coming to the UK.
Sir Keir highlighted the importance of 'fair rules' in shaping a country's values and people's rights, responsibilities and obligations, adding: 'Without them, we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together.'
But Labour MP Olivia Blake (Sheffield Hallam), speaking after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper made a statement on the Government's immigration plans, told the Commons: 'Does the Secretary of State agree with me that far from being strangers, migrants are our neighbours, friends and family, an integral part and members of our communities, and that moves to cast them as strangers are both divisive and hostile, and risk legitimising the same far-right violence we saw in last year's summer riots?
'Have we learnt nothing?'
Ms Cooper replied: 'As I set out in my statement, the people who have come here from abroad through very many generations, contributing to our economy and our country, been part of our community and making our country what it is, that is who we are as a country because of that history, and it will continue to be important for our future.
'We do want people to be able to integrate, to be able to share with neighbours, and that is why some of the provisions around ensuring that we support integration and support English language are so important as well.'
Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East, said: 'Migrants are being scapegoated for problems that they didn't cause and to be truthful these arbitrary measures won't fix those problems and they will harm migrants – people who need social care, our economy, anyone who fears racial abuse, which the rhetoric surrounding this emboldens.
'Why are we trying to ape Reform when that will do nothing to improve our constituents' lives and just stoke more division?'
Labour MP Cat Smith (Lancaster and Wyre) told the Commons that academic staff 'are feeling quite hurt and upset by some of the language that has been used, particularly the language around an island of strangers'.
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who lost the Labour whip last year after rebelling on a welfare vote, accused Sir Keir of 'reflecting the language' of Enoch Powell's infamous 'rivers of blood speech' in the 1960s.
The Independent MP for Hayes and Harlington said: 'When legislation of this nature is being introduced that is serious and could be contentious, it's critically important that ministers use careful language.
'When the Prime Minister referred to … an island of strangers, reflecting the language of Enoch Powell, does she realise how shockingly divisive that could be?'
Ms Cooper replied: 'The point that the Prime Minister has repeatedly made is that we need people to be able to integrate, to be able to be part of our communities, to be able to share with our neighbours, and that does mean being able to speak English.
'That is very important and it's why we are increasing the English language standards, not just for main visa applicants, but also for partners, for spouses, for dependants, adult dependants who come as well, because too often they have been isolated in communities if they are unable to speak English, that can also lead to greater exploitation as well.'
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer also told the Commons: 'The Prime Minister's 'island of strangers' speech sounded like something straight out of the Reform-Trump playbook.'
Care4Calais, a refugee charity, said the Prime Minister's 'dangerous' rhetoric risked fanning the flames of the far-right, and called on him to apologise.
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: 'It's right that ministers look to address concern over immigration, but the public wants principled competence rather than populist performance.'
Natasha Tsangarides, associate director of advocacy at Freedom from Torture, said: 'Successive governments have been hooked on the cheap political points they can score by punching down on migrants, and it appears that this Labour Government is no different.'
The Prime Minister's press secretary signalled ministers would continue with their plans despite opposition from the back benches.
Asked if the Government was concerned about opposition from the Labour left, the Prime Minister's press secretary said: 'Look, the British public has elected us to do a job, and that's to roll up our sleeves and get on with fixing this problem.
'For years, we've seen an open border experiment under the last government, and we're doing what's right, ending the talk and no action.
'Labour will bring control, in line with British values, which is fairness and firmness, and strength and decency, and putting British workers first.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
22 minutes ago
- The Independent
Swinney to press Trump on Scotch whisky tariffs exemption
Scotland's First Minister has vowed to press President Donald Trump to exempt Scotch whisky from US trade tariffs. John Swinney said the 'uniqueness' of whisky made in Scotland justified the exemption from the 10% tariff applied on UK exports into the US. The First Minister, who is due to hold talks with Mr Trump during his ongoing visit to Scotland, said the tariffs were currently costing the local whisky industry £4 million a week. 'Tariffs are very important for the Scottish economy and obviously scotch whisky is a unique product,' he told BBC Breakfast. 'It can only be produced in Scotland. It's not a product that can be produced in any other part of the world. So there's a uniqueness about that, which I think means there is a case for it to be taken out of the tariffs arrangement that is now in place. 'Obviously the trade deal with the United States provides a degree of stability for economic connections with the United States, but the application of tariffs is increasing the costs for the Scotch whisky industry. 'So one of my objectives will be to make the case to President Trump that Scotch whisky should be exempted from those tariffs. 'It's a product that is uniquely produced in Scotland, and it's a product that is much welcomed and supported within the United States. And I think there's a really good case for exempting Scotch whisky, and this is an opportunity that I have to put that case to President Trump on behalf of the Scotch whisky industry, which is a significant part of the Scottish economy. 'And the tariffs just now are costing the industry about £4 million each week, so it's a very significant burden on the industry. It would help growth and development within the Scottish economy if we could secure that deal. And, obviously, I'll be using every opportunity I have to try to put that across to President Trump.' Mr Trump's five-day visit to Scotland is largely a private one that has seen the president play golf at his course at Turnberry in Ayrshire ahead of opening a new course at his property in Aberdeenshire on Tuesday. Mr Swinney said the final cost of the policing the visit has yet to be worked out. 'Obviously, we're working very closely with Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority about the arrangements for this visit,' he said. 'The security arrangements have gone well since President Trump arrived on Friday, and that's as it should be, because we've got an obligation to make sure that when we have major international visitors, when they come to Scotland, that they are protected and able to go about their activities. Pressed to reveal the bill, Mr Swinney added: 'All of that will be worked out and we'll address that with Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, and we're talking to the United Kingdom government about these questions, but it's important that we have a secure policing operation. 'It's also important that members of the public who wish to express their point of view, who want to protest about the visit or about other issues, are able to go about their exercise of their democratic right to protest. That's exactly what they've been able to do since Friday, and that's the way it should be.'
Scottish Sun
22 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Exact time Donald Trump to meet Sir Keir Starmer in Scotland today as leaders set for showdown talks
The US President praised Sir Keir for doing a 'very good job' in office MAJOR SUMMIT Exact time Donald Trump to meet Sir Keir Starmer in Scotland today as leaders set for showdown talks Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DONALD Trump is to meet Sir Keir Starmer at his Turnberry golf resort in Ayrshire this morning. The Prime Minister will engage in "wide-ranging" discussions with the US President on issues including trade and the Israel-Hamas war. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Sign up 3 Trump is to meet Sir Keir Starmer at his Turnberry golf resort this morning Credit: Reuters 3 The Prime Minister will engage in "wide-ranging" discussions with the US President Credit: EPA 3 John Swinney will also meet the president during his five day visit to the country Credit: Reuters Later, the PM and First Minister John Swinney will attend a banquet-style dinner hosted by the US leader in the north-east. It comes ahead of him opening a new 18-hole golf course in honour of his late Scottish mother, Mary Anne Macleod, at Menie, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday. According to an itinerary published by website Trump will meet Starmer at noon. The pair will then hold "bilateral" discussions at 12:30pm. Starmer is expected to raise the prospect of reviving ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas and the future of tariffs on British steel. The two leaders have built a rapport on the world stage despite their differing political backgrounds, with Mr Trump praising Sir Keir for doing a "very good job" in office ahead of their talks today. First Minister John Swinney, who will also meet the president during his five-day visit to the country, said he would urge Mr Trump to apply pressure on Israel to agree to a lasting ceasefire and allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. "I think what's important is that we focus on the solutions that are required now, and the absolutely immediate situation is a necessity for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to need to flow into Gaza so that the people of Gaza can be saved from the starvation that they face," Mr Swinney told BBC Breakfast. "And that is the blunt human reality of the situation that we face, and there must be an intensification of pressure on Israel. "And I think President Trump is ideally positioned. In fact, he's perhaps uniquely positioned to apply that pressure to Israel to ensure that there is safe passage for humanitarian aid to support the people of Gaza, who face an absolutely unbearable set of circumstances as a consequence of the conflict. "And a key part of that must be the application of a durable ceasefire, the flow of humanitarian aid and the progress towards a two state solution in the Middle East." The Republican President will leave for Aberdeen at 3:45pm and arrive in the Granite City at 5:25pm.
The Sun
22 minutes ago
- The Sun
Sir Keir's wife punting at Ascot while government threaten to destroy racing – it's D-Day and we need a leader
IT'S apparently D-Day for British Racing in what appears to be a Brexit moment for the sport as its major power forces respond to proposals for radical change without really knowing what they are getting themselves into. Sound familiar? 1 This is all to do with whether Labour peer Lord Allen is thrust into the position of BHA chairman. Should he come or will he go now? That depends on how much everyone clashes! Those considering Lord Allen's many demands - in order for him to take up the role - include the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners' Association, Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and Licensed personnel. Lord Allen has basically said take my ideas or leave them and I won't bother with you all. He doesn't need the money and he's not a massive horse racing fan. As has so often been the case with those in charge at the BHA, it appears he's not too fussed about it. We have got used to leaders coming, messing up a few things, and going in a fanfare of what a marvelous job they have done. On ITV Racing's Opening Show on Saturday I asked four questions about Lord Allen and his objectives, and what help he might be. Usually when I do that my phone goes mad with people answering my observations and putting me right. On this occasion it was silent. Lord Allen and racing appear in favour of an independent BHA Board. Indeed this seems to be an absolute necessity. But no one has said who would be on it? I can't see how you could ever have one. Someone please explain. Who are you going to have - who is independent? Secondly, in recent days the Jockey Club and Ascot have come out insisting Lord Allen must be appointed. Have they done this knowing he won't join the BHA or he will? If you know he's not going to be on board then it would look as though you wanted to do the right thing for the sport but others stopped you. In some eyes that would give an organisation credit. Equally if he did become BHA chairman you will have Lord Allen's backing. It's clever if you think about it. And trust me, behind the scenes, whatever anyone says, this is about individuals rather than the good of the sport. It always will be and anyone who kids themselves otherwise is delusional. If Lord Allen is the savior, why is racing in turmoil about a current new tax on the sport? What is Lord Allen doing about it? Has he talked to Sir Keir Starmer? Again silence. And finally once again, how is it with all the people in horse racing we have who love the game - from the King and Queen down - no one seems to get through to Sir Keir that he might be on the verge of destroying British Racing? Sir Keir's wife, Victoria, was at Ascot on Saturday for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. It seems quite bizarre to me when you think what Government is threatening to do. Answers on a postcard please. By the way, enjoy Glorious Goodwood. All the best coverage in The Sun! Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
