Latest news with #VictoriaStarmer
Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
I know how Victoria Starmer feels. My family home became a target when my husband was an MP
At first, I thought it was a book. I was standing in the hallway of our Cornwall house in 2020 and opened the slim Royal Mail package, assuming it was a copy of Johnny 's memoir. When I realised I was holding a nappy in my hand, it took me a moment to process what was going on. Then the side of it flapped open and I saw it was filled with adult human excrement. 'It's s---,' I screamed to Johnny, who had his back to me. It took him a beat to understand that I was being literal. Quickly, he grabbed it, ran outside and dumped it on the lawn, and then called the police. Johnny was at this point a minister in Boris Johnson's government and while all mail going to his Westminster and Plymouth offices was scanned, we were left to our own devices at home. The police were with us half an hour later and were really helpful – eventually tracing it back to a woman in Croydon and doing everything they could to keep us safe. But I was shaken afterwards: this was our house, the place where we were raising our children away from prying eyes, and my husband's very public job had intruded inside it. Hence my sympathy for Victoria Starmer. We don't know each other but I can guess how she must be feeling after the horrific arson incident at their north London house. Knowing these people can invade a place you see as a sanctuary – somewhere you deliberately keep separate from the business of politics – makes you feel powerless and very unsafe. For me, it was as if someone had reached their arm into my kitchen and handed me the nappy themselves. Mrs Starmer is a clever woman and she will have understood that a job like her husband's doesn't come without consequences, but when Johnny first told me he wanted to be an MP, I was very naive. I didn't realise that abuse would be part of the territory. Johnny and I met aged seven at our primary school in Sussex. We both sang in the choir, but after moving to different secondary schools we didn't see each other again until we were invited to the same party in London in 2009. I was 29 and recognised Johnny – who was in the Army and had already completed two tours of Afghanistan – immediately. We were engaged quickly but because we decided to start a family soon afterwards, we ended up not getting married for another five years. However, our small wedding was arguably not the most life-changing moment of 2014. That is reserved for when Johnny told me he wanted to stand as an MP. He came home having read a statistic that said more soldiers died from suicide than on the field – and he found this so shocking he decided he wanted to do something about it. Johnny and I have always been a team and even though Plymouth, the seat he wanted to contest in the 2015 election, was heavily Labour at that point, we decided to give it a go. I had given up my career in the airline industry to have my children and was earning money doing a cleaning job, so I was happy to help him in any way I could. Together, we drove around the city in a van emblazoned with Johnny's face and knocked on about 28,000 doors; our middle daughter, who was a baby then, was usually strapped to one of our backs. We were given a 1 per cent chance of winning, so on the night of the election we went for a curry to celebrate having given it our best shot. Then we got a call from the constituency office: the count was close and we were needed there immediately. When he won by 1,000 votes, I felt such a sense of achievement. Plymouth Labour could not believe it – and nor, to be honest, could we. Johnny was handed an envelope saying: 'Well done, you're an MP', and the whips still had no idea who he was. Our life changed quickly. Unlike the party, the press were interested in us from the get-go. Johnny shared an office with four other new MPs but they had to kick him out because he had so many interviews and it was disturbing them. I think it was to do with him being a soldier and, maybe, our young family. Soon we were an open story for everyone. I agreed to interviews if it meant Plymouth would get recognised and not just be the place people mistook for Portsmouth. I figured that if it meant talking about what shower gel we use, so be it. As for our children: unlike Vic Starmer, I didn't mind occasional pictures of them in the paper, but I didn't want their lives to be too disturbed. We lived on the other side of the Tamar Bridge to Plymouth and we made sure they went to a school that wasn't in the constituency. My life, meanwhile, was completely intertwined with Johnny's job. I ran his office; it was all casework, diary stuff and admin. While I was there, they made a rule that no family members could work for MPs, but because I was in situ I was allowed to stay. I worked so hard: I deserved my salary, no matter what people online said. As for the rest of it, I just adapted. We were often invited to events in Plymouth and in London – and quite a few where I was asked to speak too. I really enjoyed it. Mostly, people were supportive of how much Johnny and I worked together, but every now and then someone from the 'old guard' would make a comment: usually something about me wearing trousers rather than a skirt. I just ignored it. I opened a Twitter (now X) account so I could say the things Johnny wasn't able to – I'm outspoken, but he never asked me to tone it down (and apparently the bigwigs at Conservative HQ loved reading it). I once called Liz Truss an imbecile and that caused a bit of a hoo-ha, but let's be honest – history has proved me right. I came off Twitter the day someone threatened the children: this person said that if I took them out that weekend, they wouldn't be safe. I told the police and they acted immediately, but that was it for me. I would be happy killing Twitter trolls forever but not if it puts the girls at risk. I don't miss that aspect of political life at all. When we joined in 2015, Parliament had a security detail for the higher echelons but much less support for everyone else. Over Brexit, when tensions were running incredibly high and Jo Cox was murdered, there was a general feeling of unease and, thankfully, security was ramped up. From then on, I went everywhere with a panic button in my pocket, and when I did Johnny's surgery on a Thursday I had a bodyguard with me. As Johnny's job got busier – and particularly once he became a minister in 2019 – I had to pick up more and more of the domestic work. He was usually away Monday to Thursday, which is a long time when you have three small children. It was hard for him too: he was desperate not to miss too much of the girls' childhoods, but he had no choice. Luckily, we have very easy-going daughters – and our third child, Audrey, was born in lockdown, so Johnny was home a lot during her first year. Still, being an MP is all-consuming. It's a massive honour and privilege to be chosen by your peers; what we didn't realise was how awful it would be navigating the system and trying to get policies through. British politics, essentially, doesn't work. To pitch one side against the other means the whole thing is built on hatred, division and bullying. And even if one side comes up with a good idea, the other has to criticise it, which means you are set up to fail. Still, for 10 years, it was our normal life. The 2024 election was brutal: Plymouth Labour are a special breed and when it was announced that we had lost, the security detail walked us to the stage, we shook the hand of the winner, and were back in the car five minutes later. Afterwards, there was an adjustment period and I felt sad for Johnny, who had put his heart and soul into it – but there was also a feeling of peace. It's wonderful having him home. Last December, he went to every Christmas concert and nativity play that the children were in for the first time in nearly a decade. I also finally had the space to think about what I wanted to do. I started The Dress Barn – a space to buy clothes for events and weddings in Cornwall, where we live. I love doing it. As for politics: if Johnny ever went back, he wouldn't be messing about – he would go with a big role in mind and, of course, I'd support him. But for now, we're happy being out of the spotlight.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
I know how Victoria Starmer feels. My family home became a target when my husband was an MP
At first, I thought it was a book. I was standing in the hallway of our Cornwall house in 2020 and opened the slim Royal Mail package, assuming it was a copy of Johnny's memoir. When I realised I was holding a nappy in my hand, it took me a moment to process what was going on. Then the side of it flapped open and I saw it was filled with adult human excrement. 'It's s---,' I screamed to Johnny, who had his back to me. It took him a beat to understand that I was being literal. Quickly, he grabbed it, ran outside and dumped it on the lawn, and then called the police. Johnny was at this point a minister in Boris Johnson's government and while all mail going to his Westminster and Plymouth offices was scanned, we were left to our own devices at home. The police were with us half an hour later and were really helpful – eventually tracing it back to a woman in Croydon and doing everything they could to keep us safe. But I was shaken afterwards: this was our house, the place where we were raising our children away from prying eyes, and my husband's very public job had intruded inside it. Hence my sympathy for Victoria Starmer. We don't know each other but I can guess how she must be feeling after the horrific arson incident at their north London house. Knowing these people can invade a place you see as a sanctuary – somewhere you deliberately keep separate from the business of politics – makes you feel powerless and very unsafe. For me, it was as if someone had reached their arm into my kitchen and handed me the nappy themselves. Mrs Starmer is a clever woman and she will have understood that a job like her husband's doesn't come without consequences, but when Johnny first told me he wanted to be an MP, I was very naive. I didn't realise that abuse would be part of the territory. Johnny and I met aged seven at our primary school in Sussex. We both sang in the choir, but after moving to different secondary schools we didn't see each other again until we were invited to the same party in London in 2009. I was 29 and recognised Johnny – who was in the Army and had already completed two tours of Afghanistan – immediately. We were engaged quickly but because we decided to start a family soon afterwards, we ended up not getting married for another five years. However, our small wedding was arguably not the most life-changing moment of 2014. That is reserved for when Johnny told me he wanted to stand as an MP. He came home having read a statistic that said more soldiers died from suicide than on the field – and he found this so shocking he decided he wanted to do something about it. Johnny and I have always been a team and even though Plymouth, the seat he wanted to contest in the 2015 election, was heavily Labour at that point, we decided to give it a go. I had given up my career in the airline industry to have my children and was earning money doing a cleaning job, so I was happy to help him in any way I could. Together, we drove around the city in a van emblazoned with Johnny's face and knocked on about 28,000 doors; our middle daughter, who was a baby then, was usually strapped to one of our backs. We were given a 1 per cent chance of winning, so on the night of the election we went for a curry to celebrate having given it our best shot. Then we got a call from the constituency office: the count was close and we were needed there immediately. When he won by 1,000 votes, I felt such a sense of achievement. Plymouth Labour could not believe it – and nor, to be honest, could we. Johnny was handed an envelope saying: 'Well done, you're an MP', and the whips still had no idea who he was. Our life changed quickly. Unlike the party, the press were interested in us from the get-go. Johnny shared an office with four other new MPs but they had to kick him out because he had so many interviews and it was disturbing them. I think it was to do with him being a soldier and, maybe, our young family. Soon we were an open story for everyone. I agreed to interviews if it meant Plymouth would get recognised and not just be the place people mistook for Portsmouth. I figured that if it meant talking about what shower gel we use, so be it. As for our children: unlike Vic Starmer, I didn't mind occasional pictures of them in the paper, but I didn't want their lives to be too disturbed. We lived on the other side of the Tamar Bridge to Plymouth and we made sure they went to a school that wasn't in the constituency. My life, meanwhile, was completely intertwined with Johnny's job. I ran his office; it was all casework, diary stuff and admin. While I was there, they made a rule that no family members could work for MPs, but because I was in situ I was allowed to stay. I worked so hard: I deserved my salary, no matter what people online said. As for the rest of it, I just adapted. We were often invited to events in Plymouth and in London – and quite a few where I was asked to speak too. I really enjoyed it. Mostly, people were supportive of how much Johnny and I worked together, but every now and then someone from the 'old guard' would make a comment: usually something about me wearing trousers rather than a skirt. I just ignored it. I opened a Twitter (now X) account so I could say the things Johnny wasn't able to – I'm outspoken, but he never asked me to tone it down (and apparently the bigwigs at Conservative HQ loved reading it). I once called Liz Truss an imbecile and that caused a bit of a hoo-ha, but let's be honest – history has proved me right. I came off Twitter the day someone threatened the children: this person said that if I took them out that weekend, they wouldn't be safe. I told the police and they acted immediately, but that was it for me. I would be happy killing Twitter trolls forever but not if it puts the girls at risk. I don't miss that aspect of political life at all. When we joined in 2015, Parliament had a security detail for the higher echelons but much less support for everyone else. Over Brexit, when tensions were running incredibly high and Jo Cox was murdered, there was a general feeling of unease and, thankfully, security was ramped up. From then on, I went everywhere with a panic button in my pocket, and when I did Johnny's surgery on a Thursday I had a bodyguard with me. As Johnny's job got busier – and particularly once he became a minister in 2019 – I had to pick up more and more of the domestic work. He was usually away Monday to Thursday, which is a long time when you have three small children. It was hard for him too: he was desperate not to miss too much of the girls' childhoods, but he had no choice. Luckily, we have very easy-going daughters – and our third child, Audrey, was born in lockdown, so Johnny was home a lot during her first year. Still, being an MP is all-consuming. It's a massive honour and privilege to be chosen by your peers; what we didn't realise was how awful it would be navigating the system and trying to get policies through. British politics, essentially, doesn't work. To pitch one side against the other means the whole thing is built on hatred, division and bullying. And even if one side comes up with a good idea, the other has to criticise it, which means you are set up to fail. Still, for 10 years, it was our normal life. The 2024 election was brutal: Plymouth Labour are a special breed and when it was announced that we had lost, the security detail walked us to the stage, we shook the hand of the winner, and were back in the car five minutes later. Afterwards, there was an adjustment period and I felt sad for Johnny, who had put his heart and soul into it – but there was also a feeling of peace. It's wonderful having him home. Last December, he went to every Christmas concert and nativity play that the children were in for the first time in nearly a decade. I also finally had the space to think about what I wanted to do. I started The Dress Barn – a space to buy clothes for events and weddings in Cornwall, where we live. I love doing it. As for politics: if Johnny ever went back, he wouldn't be messing about – he would go with a big role in mind and, of course, I'd support him. But for now, we're happy being out of the spotlight. As told to Melissa Twigg Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Irish Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Quiet shattered in Keir Starmer's old neighbourhood after firebomb attack at house owned by prime minister
The Pineapple is an attractive pub, a proper local boozer with character. Located on a quiet residential back street just north of Kentish Town in northwest London , it eschews the remorselessly drab templates of Britain's ubiquitous chains. The decor is vintage but not in a plastic, performative way: modest wood-panelling halfway up the walls, patterned wallpaper up the rest, a vintage tiled fireplace, leather banquettes, a red velvet curtain across the front door and a suntrap conservatory out the back. Quality rock music plays through the speakers. Cool sounds are part of the pub's appeal. A note on a mirror behind the bar, near the sound system's controls, reads: 'Do not bastard touch.' On Tuesday afternoon the pub was a hive of activity due to an incident at a nearby home owned by the Pineapple's most famous regular. Bemused locals supping pints in the early summer sunshine jockeyed at the bar with reporters and even a handful of unformed police. Keir Starmer , Britain's prime minister, owns a house just around the corner. It was firebombed on Sunday night. READ MORE At 1.15am in the early hours of Monday, somebody set the front door and porch ablaze at the three-storey, four-bedroomed terraced house that Starmer has owned since 2004, and where he and his wife Victoria raised their two teenage children. The prime minister and his family moved into a flat in Downing Street when he led Labour to victory in last July's election. His Kentish Town home is reportedly currently occupied by his sister-in-law, who pays him a peppercorn rent. She was unhurt during the blaze, which scorched the doorway. It was the third arson attack aimed at Starmer in less than a week. Last Thursday, May 8th, the anniversary of second World War Victory in Europe (VE Day), somebody set fire to a car parked on Starmer's old street. He reportedly used to own the SUV, before selling it when he became prime minister. There was also a separate fire in recent days at the front of another property in Islington, where he lived until 1997. The attacks, all seemingly deliberately targeted at property linked to Starmer, are being investigated by counter-terrorism police. While the Pineapple was buzzing on Tuesday, Starmer's tree-lined street was relatively quiet. Officers had closed the street following the blaze, hours before he gave a landmark speech on immigration in Downing Street. But the police tape was gone by Tuesday and the street reopened. Fire damage was obvious at the front of the property, the door's shattered glass replaced by plywood. A handful of workers stood around on the front path behind the high hedges, surveying the damage. Others, possibly non-uniformed police, stood nearby watching who went past. At one end of the street, two uniformed officers spoke to an elderly local resident, a witness, who invited them up to her house for a proper chat. Thirty yards from Starmer's house, across the street, scorch marks were evident on the tarmac from last week's car fire. London's Metropolitan Police have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the attacks. Downing Street on Tuesday thanked officers on the Starmer's behalf. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the firebombing as an 'attack on democracy'. London's hot summer of domestic political angst continues.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Pictured - 'arson' damage at TWO properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer: Counter-terror police probe suspicious blazes at PM's former North London homes as hunt for 'firebomb attacker' goes on
These are the two properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer that were damaged in a suspected arson attack, MailOnline can exclusively reveal. The doors of the two homes in north London both suffered fire damage within 24 hours of each other. Scotland Yard said last night it is probing whether the two blazes are linked, as well as a vehicle fire on the same street last Thursday that is connected to Starmer in a potential arson spree targeting the PM. Counter terror cops launched an investigation into the latest blaze at the premier's £2million townhouse yesterday morning where neighbours had heard a 'loud bang'. Officers were searching gardens nearby for a projectile with one neighbour telling MailOnline it may have been a firebomb attack. Starmer, his wife Victoria and their children moved into an apartment in 10 Downing Street after the election last July. Investigators believe that the fire at the previous home may have been started deliberately in the middle of the night. No arrests have been made. It is currently being 'treated as suspicious' as investigations continue into the cause of the blaze. The PM has thanked the emergency services with his spokesperson saying they were unable to comment further. A Met Police spokesperson said: 'The investigation team are also considering two other incidents - a vehicle fire in NW5 on 8 May and a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on 11 May - and are investigating whether they may be linked to the fire in NW5 on 12 May. 'At this early stage of the investigation, officers are working to establish the circumstances of all three fires and are keeping an open mind as to whether there is any connection. 'Both incidents are being treated as suspicious at this time, and enquiries remain ongoing.' Sources told MailOnline that Scotland Yard's SO15 counter terrorism command's investigation is understood to be routine given the high-profile nature of the owner. The fire is said to have only damaged the porch of the property with the door and brickwork charred and black. The blaze did not spread further indoors. It is not known if the property was occupied at the time, but no one was hurt. Forensics officers were combing for evidence outside the property all day after the blaze broke out at 1.11am. Neighbour Charles Grant, 66, told MailOnline officers had been searching his garden for a projectile that someone may have thrown into the rear of his property, but they did not find anything. 'From what other people on the road have told me is that someone tried to throw a firebomb into Keir Starmer's house - but nobody was hurt, and I don't think the damage was too extensive,' he said. 'The front door of Starmer's house is shut and still standing. The door and the brickwork is charred and black and it smells of burnt stuff. 'The police said the damage is not extensive - just needs a bit of paintwork.' London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed there has been 'damage' caused to the front of the home with the flames being brought under control by 1.33am. A next door neighbour described the fire as 'scary' and told how he had been woken up in the early hours by a 'loud bang'. 'It was a loud bang, what sounded like glass shattering. It was scary,' the male neighbour, who did not wish to be named, told The Sun. According to the PM's entry in the register of ministerial financial interests, Sir Keir rents out the family home. Pictures show the front porch area charred where just five years earlier Starmer and his wife Victoria stood to applaud the NHS during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The Metropolitan Police is investigating the blaze, with a spokesman for the force saying officers were alerted at 1.35am. Sales director Cory Adshead 48, who has lived on the road adjacent to Starmer for three years, told MailOnline: 'At 1am I heard police sirens. One neighbour told MailOnline how officers told him they were searching for a projectile that may have been thrown into his garden, but they did not find anything (Pictured: A forensics officer is seen near to Starmer's home) 'And police lights were flashing through the bedroom window. When I woke up and went to work the next morning there were no police cordons. But they went up - according to my wife - between 12pm and 2pm this afternoon. 'I mean it's pretty weird that would be the one door in the area to catch on fire at that time at night. 'But I don't know if anyone is living in the house or night.' A 56-year-old woman who has lived in the area for more than 12 years said: 'It is generally a very safe area. 'I feel sorry if anyone has been targeted or attacked in this way.' Another neighbour told The Sun said they had seen forensics officers outside of the property all day. 'It seems like they're taking it very seriously,' the 58-year-old said, who did not wish to be named. Others told how last Wednesday a car had been set on fire opposite the home. It is not known if the two incidents are connected. A Met Police spokesperson said: 'Officers attended the scene. Damage was caused to the property's entrance, nobody was hurt. 'The fire is being investigated and cordons remain in place while enquiries continue. 'Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.' It's not clear what caused the blaze. However, a number of forensics officers in blue and white overalls were seen in the street on Monday afternoon. A spokesperson for LFB added: 'The Brigade was called at 0111 and the fire was under control by 0133. 'Two fire engines from Kentish Town Fire Station attended the scene.' The PM's official spokesman said: 'I can only say that Prime Minister thanks the emergency services for their work and it is subject to a live investigation. So I can't comment any further.' News of the blaze came as the PM revealed the Government's plan to crack down on migration rules. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Sir Keir warned Britain was at risk of becoming an 'island of strangers' as he unveiled a string of new policies to tackle illegal immigration. Speaking to journalists from Downing Street, the PM deployed the Brexit campaign's 'take back control' slogan as he vowed to end the 'betrayal' of relying on cheap foreign labour. However, doubts are already being raised about whether the rules will have a big enough impact - with the Conservatives criticising the failure to introduce an annual cap on numbers. The announcement comes less than a fortnight after Reform UK rode a wave of rising public anger on immigration to triumph in the local elections, delivering a string of damaging defeats to Labour. Sir Keir is now scrambling to blunt the threat from Nigel Farage's party by projecting a tough stance on the issue - and deliver lower net migration figures over the rest of the parliamentary term. Home Office aides are said to fear that without deep-rooted reforms, annual net migration will settle even higher than the 340,000 level projected by the Office for National Statistics. Sir Keir has accused the Tories of overseeing an explosion in numbers while in power, saying the system seemed 'designed to permit abuse' and was 'contributing to the forces that are slowly pulling our country apart'. The PM estimates the new migration reforms will cut migration figures by 100,000 per year. The home is owned by Sir Keir but he now rents it out while he lives in 10 Downing Street. Pictured are officers at the scene following the fire in London on Monday morning This flagship Immigration White Paper includes a 10-year wait for UK citizenship, instead of five. Those who work and pay taxes could also jump the queue for residency rights, while public service employees and top-skilled professionals will be fast-tracked. And in a new clampdown, the language test bar is also set to be raised, while migrants will now require a university degree to gain a 'skilled worker' visa. Labour also plan to close loopholes that allow companies to blame a 'skills gap' to bring in cheap work. Sir Keir underlined his determination that the changes will mean 'migration numbers fall' but added: 'If we do need to take further steps... then mark my words we will.' However, he refused to guarantee that net migration will fall every year from now, saying: 'I do want to get it down by the end of this Parliament significantly.' Estimated net migration to the UK stood at a provisional total of 728,000 in the year to June 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Some 1,207,000 people were estimated to have immigrated to the UK during these 12 months, while 479,000 were estimated to have emigrated, making a net migration figure of 728,000. This is down 20 per cent from a record 906,000 in the previous 12 months for the year to June 2023. Sir Keir's critics, including Reform UK's Richard Tice, have called for him to introduce a specific cap on numbers. 'There's no target, no number that can be measured against,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. The Conservatives have said the PM is 'trying to take credit for recent substantial reductions in visa numbers that resulted from Conservative reforms in April 2024'. Following his speech, the PM also met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Downing Street.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Counter terror police probe fire at Keir Starmer's £2million north London home - as Prime Minister thanks emergency services
Counter terror officers are investigating a fire at Sir Keir Starmer 's £2million north London home. Emergency crews descended on the property in the north west of the capital in the early hours of this morning. Forensics officers have been seen combing for evidence outside the townhouse all day after the blaze broke out at 1.11am. Neighbours told how they heard a loud bang before the entire street was cordoned off following a fire at the property. Scotland Yard's SO15 counter terrorism command has now launched an investigation, although it is understood to be routine. The PM has thanked the emergency services with his spokesperson saying they were unable to comment further. London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed there has been 'damage' caused to the front of the home with the flames being brought under control by 1.33am. No one was hurt. A next door neighbour described the fire as 'scary' and told how he had been woken up in the early hours by a 'loud bang'. 'It was a loud bang, what sounded like glass shattering. It was scary,' the male neighbour, who did not wish to be named, told The Sun. According to the PM's entry in the register of ministerial financial interests, Sir Keir rents out the family home. He, his wife Victoria and their children moved into an apartment in 10 Downing Street after the election last July. Firefighters are pictured at the scene of the blaze, with crews putting out the fire at about 1.33am The PM and Victoria were previously seen clapping for the NHS outside the townhouse during their height of the coronavirus pandemic. The Metropolitan Police is investigating the blaze, with a spokesman for the force saying officers were alerted at 1.35am. Sales director Cory Adshead 48, who has lived on the road adjacent to Starmer for three years, told MailOnline: 'At 1am I heard police sirens. 'And police lights were flashing through the bedroom window. 'When I woke up and went to work the next morning there were no police cordons. 'But they went up - according to my wife - between 12-2 this afternoon. 'I mean it's pretty weird that would be the one door in the area to catch on fire at that time at night. 'But I don't know if anyone is living in the house or night.' Another neighbour told The Sun said they had seen forensics officers outside of the property all day. 'It seems like they're taking it very seriously,'the 58-year-old said, who did not wish to be named. Others told how last Wednesday a car had been set on fire opposite the home. It is not known if the two incidents are connected. A Met Police spokesperson said: 'Officers attended the scene. Damage was caused to the property's entrance, nobody was hurt,' a Scotland Yard official added. 'The fire is being investigated and cordons remain in place while enquiries continue. 'Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.' It's not clear what caused the blaze. However, a number of forensics officers in blue and white overalls were seen in the street on Monday afternoon. A spokesperson for LFB added: 'The Brigade was called at 0111 and the fire was under control by 0133. 'Two fire engines from Kentish Town Fire Station attended the scene.' The PM's official spokesman said: 'I can only say that Prime Minister thanks the emergency services for their work and it is subject to a live investigation. So I can't comment any further.' Pictured is a police cordon on the street where one of Sir Keir Starmer's homes caught fire News of the blaze came as the PM this morning revealed the Government's plan to crack down on migration rules. Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Sir Keir warned Britain was at risk of becoming an 'island of strangers' as he unveiled a string of new policies to tackle illegal immigration. Speaking to journalists from Downing Street, the PM deployed the Brexit campaign's 'take back control' slogan as he vowed to end the 'betrayal' of relying on cheap foreign labour. However, doubts are already being raised about whether the rules will have a big enough impact - with the Conservatives criticising the failure to introduce an annual cap on numbers. The announcement comes less than a fortnight after Reform UK rode a wave of rising public anger on immigration to triumph in the local elections, delivering a string of damaging defeats to Labour. Sir Keir is now scrambling to blunt the threat from Nigel Farage's party by projecting a tough stance on the issue - and deliver lower net migration figures over the rest of the parliamentary term. Home Office aides are said to fear that without deep-rooted reforms, annual net migration will settle even higher than the 340,000 level projected by the Office for National Statistics. Sir Keir has accused the Tories of overseeing an explosion in numbers while in power, saying the system seemed 'designed to permit abuse' and was 'contributing to the forces that are slowly pulling our country apart'. The PM estimates the new migration reforms will cut migration figures by 100,000 per year. The home is owned by Sir Keir but he now rents it out while he lives in 10 Downing Street. Pictured are officers at the scene following the fire in London on Monday morning This flagship Immigration White Paper includes a 10-year wait for UK citizenship, instead of five. Those who work and pay taxes could also jump the queue for residency rights, while public service employees and top-skilled professionals will be fast-tracked. And in a new clampdown, the language test bar is also set to be raised, while migrants will now require a university degree to gain a 'skilled worker' visa. Labour also plan to close loopholes that allow companies to blame a 'skills gap' to bring in cheap work. Sir Keir underlined his determination that the changes will mean 'migration numbers fall' but added: 'If we do need to take further steps... then mark my words we will.' However, he refused to guarantee that net migration will fall every year from now, saying: 'I do want to get it down by the end of this Parliament significantly.' Estimated net migration to the UK stood at a provisional total of 728,000 in the year to June 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Some 1,207,000 people were estimated to have immigrated to the UK during these 12 months, while 479,000 were estimated to have emigrated, making a net migration figure of 728,000. This is down 20 per cent from a record 906,000 in the previous 12 months for the year to June 2023. Sir Keir's critics, including Reform UK's Richard Tice, have called for him to introduce a specific cap on numbers. 'There's no target, no number that can be measured against,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. The Conservatives have said the PM is 'trying to take credit for recent substantial reductions in visa numbers that resulted from Conservative reforms in April 2024'. Following his speech, the PM also met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Downing Street.
