PM 'deeply regrets' remarks in speech on immigration

Starmer also reveals arson attack’ fears for sister-in-law

- MILLIE COOKE POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

Sir Keir Starmer has said he regrets his “island of strangers” immigration remarks, which he delivered the day after an alleged arson attack on his home that left him “really worried”.

The prime minister has now revealed his fears for his sister-inlaw, who was renting the property with her partner, saying he and his wife were "really shaken up" by the May incident.

Sir Keir said the couple had been in bed at the house when the firebombing occurred late at night. "She happened to still be awake," Sir Keir said. "So she heard the noise and got the fire brigade. But it could have been a different story." The incident took place the night before the prime minister gave a press conference on migration, which saw him use the phrase "island of strangers" - a remark that drew immediate backlash and comparisons to the divisive rhetoric of Enoch Powell.

He has now said he "deeply regrets" the phrasing, claiming that the alleged arson attack had left him "not in the best state" to deliver the press conference. Sir Keir explained that he had considered cancelling the event, which took place just hours later.