Why has Labour changed its tone on illegal immigration?

It’s not that long ago that the then Labour opposition was arguing that lawful immigration helped the economy grow, and that they wanted more “safe and secure routes” for refugees.

- SEAN O'GRADY

The emphasis was on “compassion and dignity”, in the words of Keir Starmer before he became prime minister.

Now that Labour is in government, the general mood seems to have grown much more hostile to migration. The pledge to “smash the gangs” has been extended to making propaganda videos of people who’ve no established right to remain or work being rounded up by Border Force and deported. Starmer now taunts the Tories about their failed “open borders” policy. It’s an almost Trumpian transformation, and many of the party’s supporters may well wonder what’s going on...

What’s the idea?

The Labour leadership is frustrated by the scepticism shown towards the “smash the gangs” policy, and the lack of media coverage of its claimed successes. Hence the videos. Such “success” needs to be publicised, and used as a deterrent for any economic migrants.

Angela Eagle, the Home Office minister for border security and asylum, says: “It’s important that we show what we are doing, and it’s important that we send messages to people who may have been sold lies about what will await them in the UK if they get themselves smuggled in. They are more likely to be living in squalid conditions, being exploited by vicious gangs.”

What’s brought this on, then?

Nigel Farage. The surge in Reform UK’s popularity during the election campaign and since has alarmed some Labour figures.

What about the Labour Party itself?