Starmer's Migrant Crisis: Labour's Legacy on the Line
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Starmer's Migrant Crisis: Labour's Legacy on the Line
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About this listen
Keir Starmer has spent the past few days front and center in British politics, grappling with the politically explosive milestone of over 50000 migrants crossing the Channel since Labour won power last July. This number is almost 13000 more than the comparable period the previous year and represents a record rise in small boat arrivals. According to Sky News, Starmer’s government quickly rolled out a “one in, one out” deal with France, allowing for migrants to be detained and returned, plus a crackdown on trafficker social media adverts. Starmer’s strategy is not just policy—he’s dominating his own social feeds, with more than 10 tweets on the issue in a week, sounding as hardline as any right-wing PM. His post on X Monday read, “If you come to this country illegally, you will face detention and return. If you come to this country and commit a crime, we will deport you as soon as possible.”
This has stoked reactions across the spectrum. Labour insiders say Starmer is being judged on delivery, while critics, including former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, blame Tory-era “gimmicks” for letting the trafficking problem escalate. On television, Sky News made the unwanted milestone its top headline, drawing live social media commentary and tough press previews dissecting Starmer’s approach.
At the same time, Starmer’s favorability is slipping in the polls. Recent data from YouGov shows his lead over Reform UK’s Nigel Farage has halved since May. Only 35% of Britons now think Starmer should be PM compared to 28% for Farage. There’s also been a drop in preference for Starmer over other opposition leaders, sparking speculation about the stability of his position if Labour cannot stem migrant crossings or turn public opinion.
Internationally, Starmer was active with world leaders, speaking with Canadian PM Mark Carney to discuss unwavering support for Ukraine and rejecting Russian aggression, as confirmed in official UK government releases. He also made a pointed statement condemning Israel’s decision to escalate its offensive in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and more humanitarian aid, pushing the diplomatic solution narrative in alignment with European allies.
Business-wise, Starmer celebrated a £6 billion investment package secured after a historic UK-India trade agreement, promising thousands of British jobs in tech and exports. Socially, his reception for the victorious Lionesses at Downing Street was a rare feel-good headline amid intensifying political pressure.
While Starmer has not made any splashy, in-person public appearances in the past few days outside official duties, his activity on social media and engagement with contentious migration and foreign policy issues has kept him front page news. There are no credible reports of internal party leadership challenges, but the combination of poll drops and the migrant crisis weighs heavily on the long-term legacy forming around his premiership.
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