Latest news with #EnochPowell
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
As German far-right praises Starmer, Scotland needs its own immigration system
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Prime Minister's speech on immigration this week was as disgraceful as it was misleading. Summoning the spirit of Enoch Powell – not because they share a political philosophy, but rather because the Prime Minister mistakenly thinks it's what people want – Labour's Keir Starmer warned of Britain becoming 'an island of strangers', inviting suspicion and division at a time when, after 14 years of Conservative drift, the UK clearly needs leadership, transformation and purpose. It was a predictably tone-deaf speech that took all the wrong lessons from the English local government elections. There will be only one winner here: Nigel Farage. No wonder the member for Clacton stood up in the Commons chamber this week and said he 'very much enjoyed' the Prime Minister's speech and that Starmer had 'learnt a great deal' from Reform UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Immigration is not a problem to be solved, but a solution to be embraced. That is not to say we cannot hear, listen to and understand differing views on immigration – a democratic society demands that we must, as differing views are a fact of political life. But for a Labour Prime Minister to pick up where the most migrant hostile Conservative government finished, and continue to present migrants as burdens or threats, is as politically bankrupt as it economically illiterate. Keir Starmer announced new measures to reduce immigration earlier this week (Picture: Ian Vogler/WPA pool) | Getty Images Critical issue for Scotland It was the strongest sign yet that the government has given up on its mission of achieving economic growth – something that no administration can hope to achieve with an immigration system designed to keep foreigners at bay, or outside the EU for that matter. For Scotland in particular, this is a critical issue for our economic prosperity and the resilience of our public services – particularly our NHS, social care, agriculture and hospitality industries. Our population is ageing faster than the UK average. In rural areas in particular, our problem isn't one of immigration but of emigration; communities are shrinking, with local services and local businesses under strain because of depopulation. Key industries are in a constant battle to find the workers they need. This is not a theoretical future risk; it is a current and urgent crisis across Scotland, and one that was only made worse by the loss of freedom of movement within the EU. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Yet despite these obvious challenges in Scotland, UK immigration policy, whether set by a red or blue administration, has nothing positive on offer. In fact, it is evidently about to get worse, as the system becomes more hostile and remains rigidly centralised and wholly unresponsive to Scotland's needs. Devolving immigration Any Scottish MP worth their salt understands that it is their job to stand up for Scotland's interests at Westminster. That is why I have brought forward legislation to devolve power over immigration from Westminster to Edinburgh – a rational, practical proposal that would give Scotland's parliament the powers to tailor immigration rules in line with our national needs and circumstances. This is not a radical departure from international norms: Canada and Australia already grant significant immigration powers at the state and provincial level, to best respond to local economic and labour needs. With the devolution of immigration law, Scotland could introduce targeted schemes to support rural repopulation and address labour shortages. We could reopen Scotland to the European talent we have lost and build a system rooted in dignity, cementing our reputation as a country that welcomes people, not simply content to be the northern province of Fortress Britannia. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Such policies can work, and we know they would make a materially positive impact to our country. When we still enjoyed freedom of movement, communities across Scotland – particularly rural Scotland – were strengthened and made more resilient by the arrival of other Europeans from across our continent. They opened businesses, staffed care homes, and brought life to towns and villages facing decline. The farming industry benefited from seasonal workers whose absence is now acutely felt. The NHS, and particularly social care, has long relied on staff from overseas – a reliance that will only grow in the years ahead. German nationalists approve Scotland, like the rest of the UK, has benefited enormously from immigration. That is not something we should mutter about apologetically but embrace as one of our key successes. Migrants are our friends, neighbours, colleagues – and, increasingly, our lifeline. They do not make us a country of strangers. They make our country stronger. That is something I still believe in, even if Keir Starmer no longer does. The PM needs to reflect on the fact that he was called out for his comments by former child refugee Lord Alf Dubs, and praised by the Putin-sympathising German nationalists, Alternative für Deutschland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That is not the company I would want to keep. The PM's grotesque attempt to weaponise migrants for political gain is destined to fail. Nobody who recalls the Keir Starmer of just a few years ago – pro-EU, pro-freedom of movement and pro-immigration – will be convinced by his attempt to imitate Nigel Farage. Driving voters towards Farage The Prime Minister is free to risk and ruin his own reputation as he so wishes – he has been thoroughly exposed as willing to say whatever he thinks voters want to hear – but he has no mandate to sign Scotland up to a future of economic decline that is hostile to those who do us the honour of building a life here. It is not strangers Scotland should fear, but stagnation in our economy and living standards. That is what's driving hordes of angry voters into the hands of Nigel Farage – a man who offers no solution to the challenges we face. We must make the case for immigration with clarity and with courage – not only as an economic necessity, but as a reflection of the kind of country we aspire to be. If Keir Starmer will not lead on this issue, then I know that John Swinney will.
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Labour migration crackdown to shrink UK economy, expert analysis finds
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer drew furious comparisons to the racist 20th-century Tory politician Enoch Powell after he claimed the UK was becoming an 'island of strangers' in a speech in which he also outlined plans to tighten migration rules. The Labour leader outlined measures including ending all visas for care workers, extending the wait to apply for settlement or citizenship from five years to 10, introducing higher English standard tests, and a cut in the amount of time foreign students at UK universities can stay after graduating. READ MORE: Scottish care sector chief compares Keir Starmer to Enoch Powell in damning comments The Home Office said that the changes could reduce the number of people coming to the UK by up to 100,000 per year – while Starmer dismissed concerns that doing so would negatively impact the UK economy. However, analysis from Bloomberg Economics has now projected that the measures will in fact cut UK GDP by 0.6% by 2029/30. Tax revenues would also drop by around £9 billion per year, the analysis further found. It comes despite Labour having repeatedly made clear that economic growth is their first priority. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he is aiming to grow the economy before anything elseBloomberg Economics' Ana Andrade said: 'The Government's new migration policy is one more reason to think the autumn statement will be another challenging event for the Chancellor. 'Labour's turn to the right on migration may be seen as politically savvy. In time, it might also ease the demands on housing and public services. 'In the near term, however, the most obvious consequences of tighter migration controls could well be more difficult decisions on tax and spending.' READ MORE: 'You've been learning': Nigel Farage praises Keir Starmer for immigration speech The news comes after First Minister John Swinney said that Labour's immigration stance poses a 'critical economic threat' to Scotland. 'I made this point to the Prime Minister when I met him on Friday – that the changing dynamics of our labour market and the need for us to encourage migration to support our working age population has to be recognised in the approach that is taken to migration in the United Kingdom," the SNP leader said. Earlier in May, figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the biggest fall in net migration since the pandemic. The figure stood at an estimated 431,000 in the year ending December 2024, down 49.9% from 860,000 a year earlier. The biggest drop in terms of numbers was seen in non-EU nationals coming to the UK for work – this fell by 108,000, which was a 49% fall in the year ending December 2024. The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford said at the time that the 'record-breaking decline' in net migration was possible 'primarily because numbers had previously been so high'. Its director, Dr Madeleine Sumption, said the economic impact of the fall 'is actually likely to be relatively small' because 'the groups that have driven the decline, such as study and work dependants, are neither the highest skilled, highest-paid migrants who make substantial contributions to tax revenues, nor the most disadvantaged groups that require substantial support'.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Multicultural London feels weak attachment to the rest of England - as capital dwellers say diversity is city's most distinctive feature
Very few Londoners feel an attachment to the rest of England, arguing that the capital's 'diversity and multiculturalism' are what sets it apart from other regions, a new poll has revealed. Only 29 per cent of those living in London feel a 'very strong attachment' to the country, compared with 38 per cent who said hold a stronger affinity towards the city, a new YouGov survey has shown. In new research that sought to uncover the strength of regional identities across the UK, 30 per cent of Londoners were found to believe that the capital's 'diversity and multiculturalism' are its most distinctive feature. And, while one in nine (11 per cent) indicated that its famous historical attractions were what made the city so unique, a mere eight per cent of participants argued that it was the London Underground, the oldest underground railway network worldwide. The results come amid increased debate surrounding the impact of mass migration on identity within the UK, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently stating that Britain was at risk of becoming an 'island of strangers' without stricter rules on migration. The PM was forced to stand by his remark after he was accused of using language similar to Enoch Powell's notorious 1968 'Rivers of Blood' speech. Mr Powell had said the native British population had 'found themselves made strangers in their own country' because of mass immigration. Downing Street said there was no comparison between the phrases. A separate poll by YouGov found 53 per cent of people agreed with the PM's sentiment and half thought his language was 'acceptable'. The survey also found there was little confidence that the Government will reduce immigration levels. Now, indicating varying regional and national identities, the new findings have shown that people were more likely to express a strong attachment to England than their particular region in the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England and South-East of England. Alongside the high figures reported in London, those in the North East were shown to have the highest proportion (48 per cent) of individuals who felt a 'very strong' attachment to their region. When asked what makes their area so unique, those surveyed provided an array of varying answers. One in five in the North East (20 per cent) and North West (19 per cent) believed that friendliness or a sense of human were the most distinguishing characteristic, while others praised the area's natural scenery. For Southerners, however, marine features were seen to be the most prominent, with 24 per cent of those living in the South West indicating that the region's beaches, coast or sea were the most noteworthy. For others, natural features, such as countryside or scenery, were what made the area stand out, ranking as the most distinctive thing about the area for 36 per cent from Yorkshire and the Humber, 34 per cent of Scots, and 30 per cent of those living in Wales. When asked what makes their area so unique, participants provided an array of varying answers ranging from natural beauty, friendliness of residents and marine features. However, many struggled to give an answer at all - with 6 per cent in London, the North East of England and the South West believing there was nothing distinctive about their region However, many struggled to give an answer when asked what the most distinctive part of their region was - with 6 per cent in London, the North East of England and the South West believing there was nothing distinctive about their region. Indicating a strong sense of regional identity, the majority of Brits surveyed believed that their region was the most superior place to live across the UK, with more than 80 per cent of those in the South West arguing that their area was 'a lot better' than elsewhere. This confidence was echoed in Scotland, at 33 per cent, while only a respective 7 per cent in the East and West Midlands believed their region was the best place to live. In London, satisfaction rates were also seen to be in decline, with nearly a third admitting that they believed the city was the worst place to live in the UK by either 'a little' or 'a lot'. The data comes after shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick told The Mail in September last year that he believed mass immigration and woke culture were putting England's national identity at risk. Mr Jenrick, former minister for immigration, said that he feared the ties which bind the nation were beginning to ' fray' due to an influx of migrants, alongside a negative attitude of the 'metropolitan establishment' towards English identity.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Police investigate Enoch Powell portrait hung in village shop as ‘hate incident'
A village shop is being investigated by police over the display of a portrait of Enoch Powell alongside his most controversial anti-immigration speech. Mumfords, an ironmonger in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, has a framed picture of the divisive former Tory MP in its window along with an excerpt of his 1968 'Rivers of Blood' speech. Shopkeeper Elizabeth Griffiths said she put the photograph in her window in February to highlight the 'need for strong assertive leadership during tough political times'. But West Mercia Police said it was treating the display as a 'hate incident' after receiving a report on 16 May of 'offensive content'. Mr Powell caused a national political firestorm when he used inflammatory language to criticise immigration to the UK in a 45-minute speech to local Conservative members at a Birmingham hotel. The former Conservative MP for Wolverhampton South West said white British people would find themselves 'strangers in their own country' as a result of migration. He was sacked from the Conservative front bench for making the speech and it outraged his senior colleagues at the time. A hate incident is any non-criminal offence that a victim thinks is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person's race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Last week, Sir Keir Starmer was accused of copying Mr Powell's words when he warned that the UK was becoming an 'island of strangers' while vowing to crack down on immigration. Sir Keir said he would 'take back control' to slash the number of people coming to the UK as the country 'risks becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together'. Norwich South MP Clive Lewis said: 'It's simply not sustainable for the prime minister to echo the language of Enoch Powell's 'rivers of blood' speech. This kind of language doesn't just alienate communities, it drives people away from our country altogether.' Downing Street rejected comparisons made with Mr Powell, who is a political hero of Reform leader Nigel Farage, and said Sir Keir 'absolutely stands by' his language. Ms Griffiths told The Independent the picture had been in her shop window since the first week of February and she had received 'nothing but praise for all the time it has been there'. She said it was put there alongside Sir Winston Churchill, St Francis of Assisi, 'our Lord Jesus Christ', Churchill mugs and books on Churchill and Donald Trump. A West Mercia Police spokesperson told The Independent: 'On 16 May we received a report of offensive content displayed in a shop window on Church Street in Cleobury Mortimer. 'This is being treated as a hate incident and enquiries are ongoing.'
Irish Independent
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Jeremy Corbyn criticises Starmer's ‘island of strangers' speech at festival
The former Labour leader, now an independent MP after he lost the party whip, publicly challenged the Prime Minister's language on Friday. Speaking at the Wide Awake Festival in Brockwell Park, south London, Mr Corbyn said: 'Let's hear no more of this nonsense spoken by some about this being a country of strangers. When we have the demonstrations in support of the Palestine people - please be there, raise your voice Jeremy Corbyn 'Let's hear no more of the repetition of what the wretched Enoch Powell said when I was a young person in the 1960s. 'Our community, our strength, our joy, our lives, our hope is our diversity, is our different backgrounds.' He added: 'That's what makes London a very special place.' Sir Keir, Mr Corbyn's successor as Labour leader, suggested the UK risked becoming an 'island of strangers' if efforts to tackle migration and integration were not stepped up. Critics compared the language with that of the Conservative politician Enoch Powell, who in an inflammatory address in 1968 known as the 'rivers of blood' speech, claimed that white British people would become 'strangers in their own country' in the future. Elsewhere in his speech on the stage, Mr Corbyn called for an end to all British arms sales to Israel, and urged those attending the festival to join anti-war rallies. He said: 'This country, Britain, has supplied weapons and parts for the F-35 jets that are used to bomb Gaza. 'So when we have the demonstrations in support of the Palestine people – please be there, raise your voice. It matters by giving inspiration to those people going through the most ghastly times of their lives.' In what appeared to be a further broadside at his former colleagues in the Labour Government, Mr Corbyn suggested ministers should hike taxes on the very rich. 'You can't achieve equality and justice if you extol the virtues of billionaires and do nothing about taking money off them to pay for the decent services for the many,' he said. Elsewhere at the festival, Irish rap trio Kneecap performed just days after one of their members was charged with a terror offence. Liam O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November last year, the Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday. The Wide Awake Festival is one of several taking place in Brockwell Park over the next few weeks. Some local residents are unhappy with the damage the events cause to the park, and the large area of the green open space they take up over the course of a month. They successfully brought legal action against Lambeth Council over the use of parts of the park for the festivals, in a challenge which claimed the authority had bypassed the full planning process. The High Court ruled the council had acted 'irrationally', but the events have continued despite this, after Lambeth received fresh a planning application.
