Starmer admits Labour shied away from immigration concerns as party pivots toward digital ID plan

Keir Starmer has publicly acknowledged that Labour once shied away from voters' concerns about illegal immigration, writing in the Telegraph that the party must tackle every aspect of the problem and counter the rise of the populist right. The Labour leader argued that Reform UK’s growing appeal poses a challenge to both the Conservatives and the left, and he urged the party to present a credible case for patriotic national renewal rooted in enduring British values. The remarks come as Labour faces a broader political pressure over immigration and as the government positions itself to roll out a compulsory digital ID scheme across the country.

Ahead of a speech to the Global Progress Action Summit in London, Starmer is expected to defend Labour’s approach to immigration and to outline how the party would balance border control with humanitarian obligations. He has warned of the perils of online debate and framed the coming political struggle as not merely a policy battle but a test of national unity. He also stressed that Labour would reject quick-fix solutions that seek to divide communities and would instead focus on restoring power to local areas. The remarks align with Labour’s attempt to reposition itself as the party of orderly reform in the face of increasing pressure from Reform UK, which has gained visibility as small-boat crossings remain a contentious issue.

The political moment comes as Britain grapples with a surge in migrant crossings. Official figures show that small-boat crossings exceeded 50,000 in August, a milestone that has concentrated attention on how immigration policies are framed and who bears responsibility for enforcement and services. The government, meanwhile, has signaled a comprehensive approach that includes a compulsory UK-wide digital ID system to verify entrants and bolster national security and labor-market controls. The timing of the plan has added fuel to a broader debate within and around Labour about the most effective and humane way to manage migration while meeting public concerns.

The government has tied immigration policy to a broader strategy of empowering local communities, arguing that restoring local decision-making is essential to addressing the protests that occurred outside asylum hotels earlier this summer. Prime Minister is expected to present the digital ID proposal in a Friday speech, presenting it as part of an effort to deter illegal crossings and to deter abuse of the system. Labour recently pledged to confront Conservative-era failings on immigration while offering a distinctive approach built on trust in public institutions and community-based solutions. The party’s leadership has emphasized that any reform must be underpinned by fairness, effectiveness, and public confidence in the rule of law.

In parallel with Labour’s rhetorical and policy recalibration, the government announced a significant funding package aimed at boosting 339 overlooked communities. The plan includes £5 billion in funding, with allocations to be determined by local authorities and other community leaders who are closest to the needs on the ground. Earlier this year, the government also pledged £1.5 billion to 75 of the most deprived areas in the country, a financing stream designed to address regional disparities and support services that may influence migration patterns and integration efforts. The funding package is presented as part of a broader effort to blunt the electoral threat posed by Reform UK, which has criticized Labour’s approach to border control while promising tougher measures.

Reaction to the digital ID plan has been mixed across Britain’s political spectrum. Conservative leadership has criticized the plan as a distraction from more pressing leadership questions. In a sharp critique, party figures described the proposal as a desperate gimmick intended to capture headlines ahead of Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool. Reform UK dismissed the plan as cynical, arguing that it would not address the root causes of illegal immigration. The Liberal Democrats have voiced opposition to a mandatory national ID scheme, citing civil liberties concerns and practical questions about implementation. The row underscores the political tension surrounding immigration as a core issue in the run-up to party conferences and upcoming parliamentary debates.

While Labour’s critique of the Conservative government emphasizes past failures, the party also emphasizes its own policy blueprint. Starmer’s Telegraph piece lays out an argument that the left should not retreat from the immigration debate and that a renewed strategy can help Britain meet the dual goals of border control and social cohesion. The plan to articulate a credible national renewal message is designed to appeal to voters who feel left behind by economic and regional disparities, while also presenting a coherent stance on security and asylum policy that can compete with Reform UK’s platform.

Beyond domestic policy, the UK and France are implementing a year-long pilot of a bilateral “one in, one out” approach aimed at deterring crossings. Under the agreement, the UK can detain individuals who cross the English Channel and coordinate with French authorities to return them within a two-week window. For each migrant returned to France, a new migrant with a strong case for asylum in the UK would be allowed to enter. The pilot reflects an ongoing effort to manage the flow of arrivals while the broader debate over digital verification and local empowerment unfolds. The plan is compatible with the government’s broader strategy to deter illegal crossings, which also includes calls for tougher enforcement and more efficient processing of asylum claims.

The immigration issue continues to shape the political calendar as Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool approaches. Party leaders are expected to defend their approach to immigration and outline how Labour would implement its own version of national renewal in a way that resonates with voters who demand both security and fairness. In the weeks ahead, the government’s digital ID rollout, the allocation of regional funding, and the ongoing international cooperation with France will all be watched closely by observers, as the public weighs the competing visions for how Britain should manage borders, asylum policy, and social integration. The interplay of policy, messaging, and political positioning will help determine which approach best addresses residents' concerns about illegal immigration while also sustaining economic and social stability at home.