Has he really changed?

Like so many other nations, over the past three decades the United Kingdom has faced growing social and economic pressures due to continuous waves of mass illegal immigration. The issue became noticeable in the late 1990s, with a marked intensification in the past decade. Notably, during the Labour Government from 1997 to 2010, the United Kingdom experienced a significant rise in both legal and illegal immigration. This trend may help explain the recent rise in popularity of the conservative Reform UK party, whose platform strongly resonates with public concerns over current immigration policies.

Unsurprisingly, this has prompted the traditionally left-leaning Labour Party to adjust its rhetoric and positions in an effort to address the concerns of a large portion of the British public. In a recent speech, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a significant shift in his immigration policy, signaling a clear departure from the Labour Party’s historical stance on the issue.

Starmer emphasized the need for stricter immigration controls, stating, “We risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together.” By describing the United Kingdom as “an island of strangers” due to lenient immigration policies, Starmer echoed concerns long voiced by conservatives—his political rivals—who have often been dismissed as xenophobes, bigots, or racists for expressing similar views. These labels, frequently employed by liberal critics, have served to stigmatize conservative positions on immigration for decades. Now, Starmer and his party offer a plan to require doubling the time it would take immigrants to qualify for citizenship, from five to 10 years. He even indicates that the United Kingdom will now be selective, and issue skilled worker visas only to those with a university degree. For Starmer, families will have to guarantee the financial support of their immigrant relatives. In a striking departure from previous Labour rhetoric, Starmer went further, criticizing the current immigration system as “almost designed to permit abuse.” He pledged a firm commitment to reduce immigration. “I will bring immigration numbers down,” he said. “We will take back control of our borders.”

These are feel-good words from Starmer, likely aimed at appealing to a broad base of dissatisfied voters. By embracing stricter immigration policies, he seeks to present the Labour Party as both attentive to public concerns and capable of managing immigration thoughtfully. Still, it’s important not to overlook a key point: Starmer’s speech steered clear of directly addressing the pressing issue of illegal immigration. Instead, his remarks centered on legal immigration, with only a promise to address irregular and illegal migration, along with the asylum system, later this summer.

But seeking political gain by offering a feel-good speech doesn’t solve the problem nor does it address the legitimate concerns voiced by so many British citizens on immigration, both legal and illegal.

Conservative voices in the United Kingdom have increasingly voiced concerns about the profound impact of mass immigration on the nation’s social fabric, cultural identity, and public services. These legitimate and reasonable perspectives reflect growing unease about the rapid demographic and cultural shifts occurring in many communities.

Culturally, if the United Kingdom’s borders remain open to millions who do not embrace its overarching culture and resist calls for assimilation and integration, the nation risks significant cultural and social erosion. A society once admired globally could be overwhelmed by the demographic strain of social fragmentation. Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has warned that excessive, uncontrolled migration could “cannibalise” the compassion of the British public, as many illegal migrants adhere to “fundamentally different lifestyles and values,” potentially undermining cultural cohesion and a shared national identity.

Socially, uncontrolled mass immigration exerts immense pressure on public services, including education, housing, and healthcare. A nation long envied for its stability now appears vulnerable, with some areas resembling conditions associated with less developed countries. The influx of immigrants has been linked to housing shortages, as population growth outpaces the construction of new homes. Public services and schools are reportedly overstretched, struggling to meet the demands of a rapidly growing and diverse population.

Politically, illegal immigration inherently involves the violation of immigration laws. When the state fails to enforce these laws effectively, it erodes public trust in the legal system and signals that rules can be disregarded without consequence. This weakens both social cohesion and the state’s moral authority. A lack of enforcement risks crippling society’s confidence in both the system and the government.

Illegal immigration facilitates the entry and concealment of individuals with criminal intent or extremist backgrounds, posing risks to national security. Upholding the rule of law and preventing the misuse of the immigration system are essential for a stable society built on shared values, mutual trust, and a sense of belonging. When admitted, immigrants should be encouraged to value the nation’s social and cultural identity. Without secure borders and robust immigration enforcement, the United Kingdom remains vulnerable to threats to its national security.

Starmer and his party must face the problem of illegal immigration with honesty, not to score political points but to save his nation.