Some claim that the speech was bounced against Enoch Powell’s blood remarks in 1968. Powell’s speech led to his removal from office as shadow defense secretary after opposing immigration and a growing number of non-local citizens.
In his speech, Powell quoted the Roman poet Virgil as saying: “When I look forward, I am full of previews; just like Rome, I seem to see that the Tibetan River is hidden in the bubble of Tibetans, full of blood”.
In 1968, about 74% of British people agreed with Powell and his anti-immigration claims, but Steamer’s speech was not well received by his own party members.
Labour MP Zarah Sultana said on X that Starmer’s drawing of Powell’s speech was “disgusting”.
But why are Starmer’s voice similarities to Powell, and how similar are they?
Comparison between Keir Starmer’s speech and Enoch Powell’s speech
The word that sparked strong opposition was Starmer said that if immigration is not disturbed, Britain risked becoming a “stranger island.”
This sentence is similar to Powell’s assertion that the British discovered themselves as “a stranger to their own country” in 1968.
Starmer responds to comparative allegations Tell the guardian That immigrant made a huge contribution to Britain and I will never belittle that.”
However, some critics remain angered by the Prime Minister’s anti-immigrant rhetoric, suggesting that the possibility of a multicultural in Britain could be at the expense of society.
Critics about Starmer’s speech also found that he meant that immigration should be integrated into British culture, language and values. He revealed his party’s plans to ensure new immigrants “understand” [English] Language and integration”.
“The UK is an inclusive and tolerant country, but the public expects that people who come here should learn to learn language and integrate,” he said. Sir Kyle also said that being eligible for a skilled worker visa would require a higher salary threshold or postgraduate level qualification, as well as an English standard equivalent to A-level.
In an article on X, the Prime Minister reiterated his position:
It is this view of homogeneity of British culture that attracts critics Powell’s similarities.
Powell said in his speech that the Sikh community wanted to maintain religious practice: “In the UK, especially in the public service sector, they should be prepared to accept their employment terms and conditions.
“Requiring special community rights (or should it be rituals?) leads to dangerous divisions within society. This communism is the ulcer; both one color and another color practice should be strongly condemned.”
Observers say that despite the different claims, the Prime Minister is continuing anti-immigration sentiment and exacerbating racism and xenophobic ideology.
On X, many users accused Starmer of “suddenly peddling anti-immigrant rhetoric” in order to get voted in light of the surge in reforms during local elections.
Some further suggest that the Prime Minister is now suggesting that the pressure on housing and public services is due to immigration.
Previously, Starmer once said: “Housing poverty and poor public services are not the fault of immigration, but political failure.”
Likewise, Powell told the British anecdotes that they found themselves at a disadvantage after influx of immigrants.
They find that their wives cannot get hospital beds in childbirth, that their children cannot get schools, that their homes and communities change beyond recognition, that their plans and prospects for the future are defeated; they find that employers find that employers hesitate to apply the standards of discipline for immigrant workers and the training required by local workers; they start now, that their words are more of their words, that they say.
Powell went on to raise the dangers that ethnic minorities could pose to “local-born” people.
She told BBC Radio 4: “I think it’s completely different to make these comparisons.”
“The Prime Minister said yesterday that I think almost the same breath… talked about us being a diverse country and that’s part of our strength.”
When asked about his feelings when he heard Sir Kyle’s language, London Labour Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said: “I read the white paper, I understand the background of the white paper, and these are not words I would use.”
He added that immigration was not “not a spongeman or a skier” and said he believed Sir Kyle was referring to Brexit’s commitment to immigration and did not attempt to criticize immigration’s contribution.
He refused to criticize the Prime Minister’s policies.
