Starmer reveals fears for his sister-in-law after arson attack on his home
Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.
Starmer shares ‘deep regret’ over divisive immigration comment after arson attack
- Sir Keir Starmer expressed deep regret for using the phrase "island of strangers" in an immigration speech, admitting the language "wasn't right."
- In an interview with The Observer, the Labour leader said he was "not in the best state" to deliver the press conference, which took place hours after an alleged arson attack on his family home.
- The controversial phrase, used on 12 May, drew immediate comparisons to Enoch Powell's divisive 1968 speech and sparked significant backlash.
- Sir Keir clarified he had no intention of echoing Powell's rhetoric and that neither he nor his speechwriters were aware of the potential interpretation.
- He took responsibility for not reviewing the speech more thoroughly, despite being shaken by the incident at his home.