Starmer says UK at risk of being 'island of strangers'

SIR Keir Starmer said high net migration had caused “incalculable” damage to British society as he set out a series of measures aimed at reducing the number of people coming to the UK.

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The Prime Minister, who said the country risks becoming an “island of strangers” without better integration, said he wanted net migration to have fallen “significantly” by the next general election - but refused to set a target number.

The plan, which includes changes to the way human rights laws are applied, is aimed at making the immigration system “controlled, selective and fair”, Sir Keir said. The government's promise to “take back control of our borders” comes as Labour battles a surge in support for Reform UK, which won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election and council seats across England with policies including a “freeze” on immigration.