Try GOLD - Free

Starmer rejects comparisons with notorious anti-migrant speech

Khaleej Times

|

May 14, 2025

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer "completely rejects" suggestions that his remarks on immigration this week echoed an inflammatory speech from the 1960s, his spokesman said Tuesday following a backlash.

Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, was criticised for claiming on Monday that Britain risks becoming an “island of strangers" if his centre-left Labour government fails to cut net migration.

Asked about similar language used in the late Conservative MP Enoch Powell’s notorious "rivers of blood" speech from 1968, Starmer’s official spokesman said: "We completely reject that comparison."

MORE STORIES FROM Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times

GCC set for stronger growth in 2026

Economic growth across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to accelerate in 2026, with the region projected to outperform its 2025 performance despite muted oil revenues and ongoing global uncertainties.

time to read

3 mins

December 19, 2025

Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times

Next Fed chair in 'no-win scenario' as selection nears

Trump, who elevated Powell to chair in 2017, appears haunted by that decision. He has made it clear that this time he wants someone more malleable

time to read

5 mins

December 19, 2025

Khaleej Times

NYT: US may strip more foreign-born Americans of citizenship

The Trump administration intends to increase its efforts to strip some naturalised Americans of their US citizenship, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing internal guidance.

time to read

1 min

December 19, 2025

Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times

What it takes to listen to The Voice of Hind Rajab

Kaouther Ben Hania's latest is impossible to watch without a moral or emotional distance

time to read

2 mins

December 19, 2025

Khaleej Times

Birth rates fall among Emiratis as families cite rising costs, career, health concerns

As birth rates among Emiratis have declined over the past decade, several families have shared the reasons behind their decisions to limit the number of children and refrain from expanding their families.

time to read

4 mins

December 19, 2025

Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times

Residents take precautions as unstable weather persists

As unstable weather moves across the UAE, residents in Dubai and nearby areas are taking extra precautions, adjusting work routines, commute choices, and in some cases stepping in to protect vulnerable animals in their communities.

time to read

2 mins

December 19, 2025

Khaleej Times

Guarded and formal: Pope Leo sets different tone

As he gears up for his first Christmas as leader of the world’s Catholics, Pope Leo XIV is starting to show more noticeable differences in leadership style with his predecessor Francis.

time to read

2 mins

December 19, 2025

Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times

Dubai residents put down roots as tenure surges

Dubai's transformation from a transient expatriate hub to a long-term home for the majority of its residents is accelerating, with new data showing a sharp rise in how long people choose to stay in the emirate.

time to read

2 mins

December 19, 2025

Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times

Sabalenka, Kyrgios ready for Battle of the Sexes: The Dubai Showdown

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and tennis showman Nick Kyrgios have expressed their excitement ahead of their Battle of the Sexes: The Dubai Showdown next week.

time to read

1 mins

December 19, 2025

Khaleej Times

UAE tourism sector delivers Dh257.3B, sets new visitor records

The UAE’s tourism sector continued its strong upward trajectory in 2025, consolidating its position as one of the country’s most dynamic economic sectors and a major magnet for investment and visitors, supported by world-class infrastructure, flagship projects and strong competitiveness indicators.

time to read

1 mins

December 19, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size