Nigel Farage has taken a swipe at Keir Starmer, claiming the Labour leader is “learning a great deal” from Reform UK on immigration.
Farage said:
“We at Reform, a party that is alive and kicking, very much enjoyed your speech on Monday. You seem to be learning a great deal from us. Could I encourage you please to go further, as a matter of national security?”
🚨 Call for a National Emergency
He didn’t stop there. Farage also called on Starmer to declare a national emergency at the UK’s borders. He pointed to a recent arrest, saying:
“Over the weekend, an illegal immigrant from Iran, who we believe came by boat, was arrested in the north of England on serious charges of terrorism.
“Since the speech on Monday, 1,000 undocumented young males have crossed the English Channel. Does the prime minister agree now is the time to declare the situation in the English Channel a national security emergency?”
💥 Starmer Hits Back
Starmer pushed back. He pointed out that his new Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill gives law enforcement more power than ever before. He said:
“This is the most far-reaching provision ever for law enforcement to defend and secure our borders. That’s why it is extraordinary that he, of all people, voted against it.”
🔍 Backlash Over Language
Starmer’s speech also sparked backlash from his own side. Some MPs have criticised his language, which included a warning that the UK risks becoming an “island of strangers” if migration isn’t controlled.
Critics have compared this to Enoch Powell’s infamous 1968 ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech. Powell claimed mass immigration would leave people feeling like ‘strangers in their own country’ – a comparison some say Starmer’s rhetoric now echoes.
However, No10 insists Starmer “completely rejects” these comparisons and stands by his words.
You may also like: PMQs: Rachel Reeves’ cringe reaction to Starmer’s ‘joke’ is ridiculed
