Keir Starmer warned Britain will be ‘unable to take back control of our borders’ as ‘invasion continues

Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave a speech where he said the Labour Government is ready to bring major changes to the country’s immigration system. He described the past as a “squalid chapter” for both politics and the economy and promised to turn the page. He warned that if immigration isn’t better controlled, the UK could turn into what he called “an island of strangers.” To stop that from happening, he introduced a plan to tighten immigration rules.

One part of this plan is to reduce the number of foreign care workers coming to the UK. Another key part is to make English language requirements stricter for people who want to move to the country. Starmer said that under this new system, the focus will be on accepting people who truly help the UK grow, and not just letting anyone in. He described it as a more “controlled, selective, and fair” approach.

During the speech outside Downing Street, Starmer said that moving to the UK should be seen as a privilege, not something people should automatically expect. He added that newcomers should be willing to learn English and become part of British society.

However, not everyone is happy with the plan. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman criticized Starmer, saying that his promises sound like more empty words. She believes that unless the UK leaves the European Convention on Human Rights and scraps current human rights laws, there’s no way to truly control the borders. She posted online that she’s heard too many broken promises before and doesn’t believe this time will be any different.

Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice also had strong words. He said Starmer’s new plan is still part of what he called an “invasion” and that it will hurt British taxpayers even more.

Despite this backlash, Starmer defended his plan. He said it offers a fresh start for the country and that it’s about restoring order and fairness. He explained that under the new rules, people who want to become UK citizens would have to live in the country for 10 years. However, some people like doctors and nurses, who contribute a lot to society, might be allowed to apply for citizenship faster.

Starmer also wants Parliament to have the final say on who is allowed to stay in the country.

Still, some Labour MPs have raised concerns. Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East, said that the government’s new language on immigration is harmful and sounds like far-right fear tactics. She reminded people that migrants are part of our everyday lives — they’re friends, neighbours, and family members.

Another Labour MP, Sarah Owen, said that if the government truly wants to avoid becoming an “island of strangers,” they should invest in local communities instead of turning people against one another. She warned that blaming immigrants for the country’s problems is not the answer and that the focus should be on fixing issues caused by those in charge over the past 14 years.

So while the Prime Minister is pushing for tighter controls on immigration, not everyone agrees with his approach. Some see it as necessary change, while others fear it could lead the country in a harmful direction.