Keir Starmer’s tough new immigration crackdown has sparked fierce debate, with supporters praising his stance and critics accusing him of copying rival Reform. Here’s what Mirror readers made of it all.
Keir Starmer’s controversial crackdown on immigration – in which the PM went so far as to say the UK risks becoming an ‘island of strangers’ – certainly got you all talking.
His comments have proved rather divisive, with many quick to commend him for taking such a tough stance, while others mocked it – including Nigel Farage who said Labour were ‘learning a great deal’ from Reform and urged the PM to ‘go further’ on his sweeping migration reforms.
Critics have said Labour are clearly trying to challenge the rise of Reform, but Starmer snapped back, saying he was introducing the new measures because “it was the right thing to do”.
Labour MPs, trade unions, and charities have criticised the PM following his statement that the number of people entering the country is causing “incalculable damage.”
We asked Do you support Keir Starmer’s crackdown on immigration? and you were largely divided – with 57 per cent saying they supported the PM, while 43 per cent said they didn’t.
Many of you commented on our original article, here’s what just some of you had to say:
Soundthought said: “Following the huge increases under David Cameron and Boris Johnson – both of who peddled misleading information in their policies to promote cheap unskilled labour for profit – I think Starmer is doing the right thing.”
Lajjop continued: “I do agree with Starmer but any immigrants coming over – legal or not – should learn to speak, write and read English and respect our culture.”
Nigeboddy added: “There are two distinct issues. There are the rubber boat people. Then there is legal immigration. There can be no doubt legal immigration benefits our economy and that of the USA, too. Anyone who understands economics agrees.”
Nancy Brown said: “(The PM) should be concentrating on illegals. That would solve many problems – crime, NHS, education to name a few. Less of taxpayers’ money on hotels. He needs to wake up and smell the coffee! Listen to the people.”
Rodr1601 added: “The new immigration policy targets a very needy sector and is missing the actual problem by a country mile. Furthermore I have seen nothing about illegal immigration and what is going to be done to stop that in its tracks, just as the rest of Europe are doing systematically. There are some good parts, such as the need to be conversant in English and also the 10-year qualifying period, but the whole plan is weak and lacking.”
Webby132 said: “Yet again, he sidestepped the main issue – illegal immigration by the dinghies! Smoke and mirrors with his ‘plan’. Yes, we need and welcome those skilled workers who come here with the intention of working, settling, and integrating. The rest are dross!”
Ukpsa2403 added: “He (Starmer) is just copying Reform and trying to appease the population when he knows he hates what he is having to do.”
What has the PM pledged?
The Prime Minister has promised to reduce net migration by the end of this parliament, aiming for a system that he says will be “controlled, selective, and fair.” In a speech just before the government’s Immigration White Paper was released, he warned the UK risks becoming ‘an island of strangers’ and said the Labour Government would end the Tories’ “experiment” in open borders.
He said: “So when you have an immigration system that seems almost designed to permit abuse, that encourages some businesses to bring in lower-paid workers rather than invest in our young people, or simply one that is sold by politicians to the British people on an entirely false premise, then you are not championing growth.
“You are not championing justice or however else people defend the status quo. You’re actually contributing to the forces that are slowly pulling our country apart.”
Labour’s plans include introducing measures to make it harder for people to permanently settle in the UK. Migrants will need to live in Britain for a decade before they can apply for citizenship – instead of the current five-year period.
Net migration surge
Net migration – the difference between the number of people moving into and out of a country – surged after the UK left the EU five years ago. It hit 906k in the year to June 2023, before dropping to 728k in mid-2024. However, that’s still significantly higher than its pre-Brexit peak of 329k in the year up to June 2015.