Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced criticism and political challenges following his 'island of strangers' speech on immigration. Initially, polls indicated that most British citizens agreed with his remarks, but Starmer subsequently walked back his statements, leading to accusations of a U-turn. Political commentators and former MPs have highlighted Starmer's pattern of changing his mind and questioned his leadership and authority within the Labour Party. Backbench Labour MPs have reportedly grown increasingly rebellious against his government's policies, with some speculating about the rising influence of deputy leader Angela Rayner. Analysts note that while Starmer's agenda is advancing internationally, he is struggling to maintain control domestically amid internal party dissent. Some commentators argue that Starmer's original speech addressed uncomfortable truths about globalization and immigration that should not be apologized for, despite the Prime Minister's regrets. Overall, the episode has intensified political tensions within Labour and raised questions about Starmer's future leadership.
Keir Starmer's 'island of strangers' climbdown is his most humiliating U-turn yet - Rakib Ehsan https://t.co/uWJj1Do2j9
"Forcing Britain to face up to the various, uncomfortable hypocrisies within a failed consensus on globalisation shouldn’t be something Labour apologises for." Keir Starmer’s “island of strangers” speech was right, writes @LabBeyondCities. https://t.co/yByffIXMs9 https://t.co/iL5z7SOwv3
'His agenda is being pushed on the world stage, it's back at home he's got problems.' GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope reports on turmoil in the Labour Party and Sir Keir Starmer's battle to keep control of rebel backbenchers. https://t.co/loDkqpJx7R