Keir Starmer expressed deep regret over a speech delivered in May, where he warned the UK risked becoming an 'island of strangers' due to immigration. The comments were criticized for inadvertently echoing Enoch Powell's controversial 1968 speech. In a recent interview, Starmer acknowledged the misinterpretation of his words and emphasized that neither he nor his speechwriters intended that implication. Despite a personal firebomb attack on his home before the speech, he stated he should have been more vigilant about his choice of language and accepted responsibility without placing blame on others.
I deeply regret using it. I wouldn't have used those words if I had known they were, or even would be, interpreted as an echo of Powell.
Starmer's official spokesperson insisted the prime minister absolutely stands by his language, including claims that mass immigration had done incalculable damage to the British economy.
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