'Quite dangerous': Keir Starmer's hard line messages on immigration slammed by British broadcaster Esther Krakue

Sky News AU

19-05-2025

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been accused of taking a "dangerous" approach to his policies after a series of social media posts about immigration policy that raised eyebrows.
Mr Starmer came under fire earlier this month when he said the UK was at risk of becoming an "island of strangers" during a speech at Downing Street.
His X page has been accused of pushing more to the right in recent days, as he shared several posts pushing his immigration policy.
One of his posts read: "I know you're angry about immigration. I get it. Mark my words: I will take back control of our borders. That means cutting migration, ending the use of asylum hotels, and ramping up our efforts to stop small boat crossings. We will smash the people smuggling gangs at source."
"I've already returned over 24,000 people with no right to be here. And I won't stop there," another post said.
A third post said: "If you work here illegally or employ people who do, we're coming for you. Illegal working raids are up 40%. And we won't stop there."
British broadcaster Esther Krakue was asked on Sky News Australia's The Bolt Report on Monday about whether she believed the Prime Minister was taking a "hard line" on immigration now but she said she would not be reading too much into his messaging.
"He's not taking a hard line, that man. The only conviction that man has is the belief that he thinks he should be in charge. That's it," she said.
"If he thinks it's losing him votes, he's happy to do a 180, which is quite dangerous actually, because it just means that he's only going to do what he thinks is politically expedient for him at the time, and you know... to hell with what happens to the British public in the process."
The Prime Minister's series of posts have come after he promised Labour's immigration plan would see net migration fall "significantly" over the next four years, with the Home Office estimating his policies could lead to a drop of 100,000 in immigration each year by 2029.
"Every area of the immigration system, including work, family and study, will be tightened up so we have more control," he said in his announcement.
"Enforcement will be tougher than ever and migration numbers will fall."
Mr Starmer also said his government would be raising English language requirements across every main immigration route.
The qualification requirements to apply for a skilled work visa will also increase.
The amount of time migrants must live in the UK before applying for settled status will also go from five to 10 years under the plan.