Starmer attacks 'open border' Tories, plus Andrea Jenkyns defects
Nov 28, 2024
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The podcast dives into the dramatic world of UK politics, starting with Nigel Farage's unveiling of Andrea Jenkyns as a new MP amidst a series of Conservative defections. Keir Starmer challenges Tory policies following shocking migration figures, revealing net migration has hit 728,000, with previous months surpassing 900,000. There's also a look at how these numbers could shape election strategies. Plus, listeners are offered insights into the looming assisted dying vote, adding another layer of intrigue to the political landscape.
Keir Starmer criticizes the Conservatives' previous liberal migration policies, positioning Labour as a more moderate choice in light of rising migration figures.
Andrea Jenkyns' defection to Reform UK highlights potential fractures within the Conservative Party and the shifting dynamics of British politics.
Deep dives
Reform Party's Migration Announcement and Defections
The Reform Party held a press conference addressing a significant defection and discussing their stance on migration statistics. With net migration figures surpassing 900,000 in 2023, the party emphasized the need to critique current government policies while buoying their own successes. Notably, Andrea Jenkins, a former Tory MP, announced her defection, stating her loyalty to the party rather than specific leaders, which highlights the shifting political landscape. The Reform Party is preparing for upcoming county council elections, confidently predicting substantial gains by emphasizing their renewed strategies and member growth.
Controversy Over Migration Figures
Recent migration statistics released revealed that net migration numbers have been revised upward significantly, raising concerns over their accuracy. While the government and some political factions tout a reduction in migration, deeper analysis suggests the reality may be more complex, questioning the reliability of the new figures. A major argument posits that while headlines proclaim a decrease, actual numbers may remain stable or even increase when adjusted for past revisions. This casts doubt on how well the government can manage and report migration trends, creating potential political fallout as different parties leverage these figures to their advantage.
Labour's Response and Migration contoversy
Keir Starmer's recent statements criticized the Conservative Party's handling of migration, positioning Labour as a more moderate alternative. He highlighted the Conservatives' previous liberal policies that led to increased numbers and framed his party as a defender of Brexit principles. However, while Starmer made notable political points, the policy proposals presented seemed unlikely to significantly change the migration landscape, leading to skepticism about their effectiveness. The broader implications of the rising migration numbers and pressures on public services underscore the ongoing debate and complexity surrounding immigration control in Britain.
It's been a day of press conferences in Westminster. First to Reform UK, where Nigel Farage unveiled their newest defection: Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who had served as a Conservative MP from 2015-24. Could there be more defections on the horizon?
Next to Keir Starmer who reacted to the newly published migration figures from the ONS. Net migration for the 12 months to June 2024 stands at 728,000. But the real story was the revised 2023 figures, which showed net migration exceeding 900,000. The politics from the press conference were solid - but what about policy announcements?
Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons, and they also look ahead to tomorrow's unpredictable assisted dying vote.
Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.
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