London Mayor Sadiq Khan has backed Labour’s tougher immigration plans but expressed discomfort with the tone used by Keir Starmer during a controversial address to the nation. The two senior Labour figures have not spoken since the Labour leader’s speech, which sparked sharp debate across political lines.
Speaking on LBC to James O’Brien, Sir Sadiq said he “understands” the reasoning behind Labour’s proposed immigration restrictions but admitted: “Those aren’t the words I would use.”
Sir Keir, in his Monday speech from Downing Street, warned that Britain risks becoming “an island of strangers” if migration continues at its current pace.
He described recent high immigration as a “squalid chapter” in British politics—remarks that drew comparisons to Enoch Powell’s infamous and widely condemned “rivers of blood” speech.
While defending the policy direction, Sir Sadiq struck a different tone: “If you listen to Keir’s speech, he also spoke about the strength of diversity. What he’s not referring to is the contribution we make to British society.”
The Mayor suggested Starmer’s comments were aimed at addressing broken promises made during the Brexit campaign: “I think, what he’s referring to is the promise made by brexiteers… that (high numbers of immigration).”
Labour’s proposals represent a significant shift in approach. The government intends to introduce stricter requirements for migrants, with the following measures set to be introduced:
- Migrants must reside in the UK for 10 years before qualifying for citizenship.
- English language requirements will be tightened across all immigration routes.
- Skilled worker visas will require applicants to hold a university degree.
- New restrictions on recruitment for roles on the skills shortage list.
The government claims these steps are essential to reduce net migration, which reached a staggering 728,000 last year.
In his address, Sir Keir said the UK must reclaim authority over its borders and immigration system. “We risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together,” he declared.
He sharply criticised the Conservative government’s record: “The chaos of the previous government also changed the nature of immigration in this country. Fewer people who make a strong economic contribution, more who work in parts of our economy that put downward pressure on wages.”
Referring to the popular Brexit slogan, Starmer said: “Take back control. Everyone knows that slogan, and everyone knows what it meant on immigration. But what followed from the previous government… was the complete opposite.”
He pointed to a near fourfold increase in net migration between 2019 and 2023, calling it evidence of a failed policy. “That’s about the population of Birmingham, our second largest city. That’s not control. It’s chaos.”
As Labour positions itself for the next general election, immigration remains a sensitive and divisive topic. While the party is united on the need to reform the current system, divisions on how that message is communicated are becoming clear.
Sir Sadiq Khan’s comments reflect a broader concern within Labour’s ranks—support for a new direction, but caution over rhetoric that could alienate key communities. As the UK grapples with its identity and future, immigration will remain front and centre in the political discourse.
