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Are Labour 'pandering' to Nigel Farage?
May 13, 2025
Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor of The Spectator, and Danny Shaw, former adviser to Yvette Cooper, dive into the Labour Party's evolving stance on immigration. They discuss Keir Starmer’s controversial comments and the backlash from both left and right. The duo highlights internal tensions brewing among Labour members over Starmer's potential shift towards appeasing right-wing narratives. They also contrast the data-driven strategies of Yvette Cooper with Starmer's political rhetoric, raising concerns about the implications for future elections.
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Quick takeaways
- Keir Starmer's immigration rhetoric aims to attract reform-minded voters but faces backlash from within Labour for potentially pandering to the far right.
- Yvette Cooper's approach to immigration emphasizes reducing reliance on overseas workers while boosting domestic training, despite concerns about its impact on the care sector.
Deep dives
Labour's Immigration Rhetoric Shift
Recent developments in Labour's approach to immigration reflect a significant shift in rhetoric. Keir Starmer's new stance appears aimed at addressing the concerns of reform-minded voters, although it has led to accusations of pandering to the far right. Critics, including some Labour MPs, express skepticism about the sincerity of this shift, suggesting it is politically motivated rather than a reflection of true policy change. The tension within the party is palpable, particularly with the silent dissent from moderate members who fear the party is straying too far right on crucial issues.
