Labour’s immigration reforms branded ‘desperate’ after small boat crossings surge

Farage tears into Labour's 'smash the gangs' plan in scathing Commons outburst

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage launched a blistering attack on the Government in the Commons this afternoon, branding Labour's "smash the gangs" migration policy an "absolute failure".

The outburst came during a heated exchange with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper following her statement to MPs.

Farage, who has been a vocal critic of the Government's approach to illegal migration, did not hold back in his assessment of Labour's efforts to tackle the issue.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Starmer welcomes Swedish Prime Minister to Downing Street for talks

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to Downing Street on Monday for talks.

The meeting marked their third encounter in just four days, following discussions at the Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Oslo last Friday and again in Kyiv on Saturday.

Sir Keir greeted his Swedish counterpart "at a really important time".

The Prime Minister declared that Britain's relationship with Sweden is "as strong as it has ever been".

"We think alike and act alike, particularly on issues like Ukraine and global affairs," Sir Keir added.

Kristersson praised Starmer for taking on a "leadership responsibility" in Europe.

The Swedish leader noted the meeting showed "how much we appreciate the way you are acting together with the rest of us in Europe right now".

Following Monday's talks, a Downing Street spokesperson said the pair agreed to "closer working" on trade, defence and nuclear power.

Labour MPs erupt with laughter as Tories unveil ‘new approach to immigration’ in explosive Commons clash

Labour MPs erupted with laughter in the Commons today as Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp claimed the Conservatives were taking a "new approach to immigration".

The explosive clash came after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper unveiled Labour's immigration crackdown plans.

Cooper presented the Government's Immigration White Paper to parliament, which includes tougher deportation powers and higher visa thresholds.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Keir Starmer warned Britain will be 'unable to take back control of our borders' as 'invasion continues'

Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that he will be “unable” to take back control of borders following today's publication of the immigration white paper.

The Prime Minister said the UK risks becoming an “island of strangers” without controls on immigration as he unveiled a crackdown including plans to cut overseas care workers and tighten English language requirements.

In a Downing Street speech, the Prime Minister said the Labour Government will “take back control of our borders” and close the book on a “squalid chapter” for politics and the economy.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Academic staff 'quite hurt' by language used by Starmer, Commons told

Labour MP Cat Smith, Lancaster and Wyre, told the Commons that academic staff “are feeling quite hurt and upset by some of the language that has been used, particularly the language around an island of strangers”.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper replied: “People have come to the UK, been part of contributing, building our communities and part of the country that we are today, that is who we are, and it is important, it’s also important that we ensure that when people come to the UK, that they can speak English, that they can talk to each other.”

Labour MP Florence Eshalomi, Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, said: “Since this announcement I have been contacted by several constituents who are currently on a work visa and are looking at their path for a way for indefinite leave to remain. They are understandably worried, Home Secretary, about where this uncertainty leaves them.

“They’re worried about their future plans, one even told me that they are worried and they are considering leaving the UK because their settled status here is under jeopardy. So, can the Home Secretary please outline whether this policy applies to people who are already living and working in the UK, or will it just be to new visa applicants?”

Cooper replied: “We will set out further details of the earned settlement and citizenship reforms later this year, and we will consult on them, so there will be plenty of opportunity for people to comment on and consider the detail.”

Farage said Iranian terrorists could be amongst immigrants coming to UK

Nigel Farage has suggested Iranian terrorists could be among the immigrants arriving in the UK.

In the Commons, the Reform UK leader said: “Five years ago I warned that if we didn’t leave the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights) and deport immediately those that arrived in Dover via small boat, that there would be an invasion. And, sure enough, I was right.

“Today, a further 600 young men, already today, have been processed through Dover, perhaps the odd Iranian terrorist among them, who knows? Does the Home Secretary accept that their policy of smash the gangs is a complete and total failure? And if that’s the case, why should we believe anything else they say?”

MPs could be heard shouting “shame” as Farage, the MP for Clacton, spoke.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper replied: “No-one should be making these dangerous boat crossings, they undermine our border security and they put lives at risk.

“Criminal gangs are organising these dangerous boat crossings and that’s why we need counter-terrorism style powers to be able to go after the gangs. That is the opportunity for him and his party to vote for those counter-terrorism powers tonight, so that we can strengthen our border security.”

Fire Brigade investigating blaze at Prime Minister's North London property

A fire broke out at Sir Keir Starmer's home in the early hours of the morning, with police now investigating the blaze.

The London Fire Brigade attended the property in north London after they received reports of a blaze at around 1.30am on Monday.

The door to the four-bedroom property was damaged but nobody was injured.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: “On Monday 12 May at 01:35hrs, police were alerted by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire at a residential address in north London.

“Officers attended the scene. Damage was caused to the property’s entrance, nobody was hurt.

"The fire is being investigated and cordons remain in place while enquiries continue.”

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

PM warned of putting UK on 'a very dark path' 

The Labour chairwoman of the Women and Equalities Select Committee said “chasing the tail of the right” could place the UK on “a very dark path”.

Sarah Owen, the Labour MP for Luton North, said online: “I am proud of what immigrants like my mum and those across Luton North have given to our country. Many serve in our NHS, open biz, enrich culture/arts & much more.

“The best way to avoid becoming an ‘island of strangers’ is investing in communities to thrive – not pitting people against each other.

“I’ve said it before and will say it again, chasing the tail of the right risks taking our country down a very dark path.

“Fair & sensible checks on immigration should not equal blaming all the woes of our country on immigrants, rather than the failures of those in power for the last 14 years.”

Keir Starmer risks torpedoing migration plan with backdoor free movement as SHOCK graph shows one-way surge

Sir Keir Starmer has been warned he risks torpedoing his own migration plan if the EU gets its way on a youth mobility scheme.

The Prime Minister, who today unveiled a White Paper to fix Britain's "broken" borders, pledged to force migrants to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

However, so-called "high-contributing" individuals can be fast-tracked through the scheme, including doctors and nurses.

GB NEWS MEMBERS CAN READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Nadia Whittome says 'migrants are our neighbours' as she lays into Starmer's announcement

A Labour MP criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s rhetoric on migration as she said the Prime Minister’s warning that Britain risked becoming an “island of strangers” mimicked the "scaremongering of the far-Right."

Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East, said in a post on X: "The step-up in anti-migrant rhetoric from the government is shameful and dangerous.

"Migrants are our neighbours, friends and family. To suggest that Britain risks becoming ‘an island of strangers’ because of immigration mimics the scaremongering of the far-Right.

"Blaming migrants for a housing crisis and failing public services lets the real culprits off the hook: landlordism, chronic underinvestment and deepening inequality.

"Labour was elected to tackle those, not parrot Reform’s scapegoating, which will never improve people’s lives."

Nigel Farage lays into 'insincere' Keir Starmer as PM accused of copying Brexit slogan

Nigel Farage has laid into Sir Keir Starmer after the Prime Minister unveiled his plans to crackdown on Britain's "broken" borders.

Speaking to GB News, the Reform UK leader accused Starmer of being "insincere" and warned he was "playing catch up" on the issue of immigration.

In a twist, Farage also pointed out that Starmer's references to "taking back control", which the Prime Minister made five times this morning, precede the use of the slogan by Vote Leave in 2016.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

David Lammy says Vladimir Putin must 'get serious' about engaging in peace talks

Vladimir Putin must "get serious" about engaging in peace talks, David Lammy has said.

The Foreign Secretary commended Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky for his “willingness to engage in talks” as European foreign ministers gathered in London for discussions about the continent’s security.

Zelensky has challenged his Russian counterpart to meet him face-to-face for negotiations to end the war in his country on Thursday in Turkey. Putin faces the challenge after he said he wanted to hold direct talks with Kyiv.

Urging the Russian leader to step up to the table, Lammy said: "This is the time for Vladimir Putin to get serious about peace in Europe, to get serious about a ceasefire, and to get serious about talks.”Vladimir Putin must “get serious” about engaging in peace talks, David Lammy has said.

The Foreign Secretary commended Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky for his "willingness to engage in talks" as European foreign ministers gathered in London for discussions about the continent’s security.

Zelensky has challenged his Russian counterpart to meet him face-to-face for negotiations to end the war in his country on Thursday in Turkey. Putin faces the challenge after he said he wanted to hold direct talks with Kyiv.

Lammy said: "This is the time for Vladimir Putin to get serious about peace in Europe, to get serious about a ceasefire, and to get serious about talks."

SNP say Starmer's announcement is 'devastating attack on Scotland’s care services'

The SNP has said Starmer's announcement today is a "devastating attack on Scotland’s care services" as they blasted Labour for being "out of step."

Pete Wishart, the SNP’s deputy Westminster leader, said: "Keir Starmer must abandon his reckless plans to slash NHS and care workers from overseas - and starve Scotland’s economy of its valued and hugely-beneficial international workforce.

"This damaging plan shows the Labour Party is a threat to Scotland’s NHS.

"It is a devastating attack on Scotland’s care services - and it will harm public services, businesses and economic growth in communities across the length-and-breadth of Scotland.

"Keir Starmer’s Labour Party is, once again, treating Scotland as an afterthought - and it is completely out of step with Scotland’s values and economic interests."

Lib Dems welcome today's announcement but warn of 'unintended consequences'

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed today's immigration reform announcement but warned that there could be "unintended consequences."

The party’s home affairs spokeswoman Lisa Smart MP said: "After the previous Conservative Government’s dire mismanagement, our immigration system has been left in tatters and public trust has been shattered.

"It’s right that the government is taking steps to fix our broken immigration system to ensure it works for our country."

The Hazel Grove MP said: "However, this must be coupled with a clear plan to make it easier to recruit British workers to fill vacancies instead.

"[This includes] implementing our Carer’s Minimum Wage and speeding up reforms to the apprenticeship system - to ensure these changes don’t have unintended consequences for our economy."

Greens say today's migration announcement is 'panicked and misguided' attempt to win back Reform UK defectors

Outgoing Greens co-leader Carla Denyer said today's migration announcement is "ill thought-through" as she accused the Prime Minister of making a "panicked and misguided" attempt to win back voters Labour lost to Reform UK.

The MP for Bristol Central said: "These ill-thought-through reforms are the triumph of a panicked and misguided rush to create headlines and try to win back Reform voters.

"From closed down youth centres to shuttered pubs, people in all parts of the UK are feeling the bonds that hold their communities together dissolving.

"And whether it’s rebuilding intergenerational relationships, or helping those who come here from abroad to integrate, strengthening those bonds requires support and crucially funding from central government.

"But far from rebuilding our communities, this Government’s reforms are going to make things worse."

Yvette Cooper vows to slash AT LEAST 100,000 visas as Labour hints at further migration crackdown

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has vowed to slash 100,000 visas in a bid to take back control of Britain’s borders.

Cooper, who will address MPs about her migration White Paper later today, sat-down with GB News to discuss her plan after Sir Keir Starmer promised Britons net migration would fall under his watch.

Speaking to the People’s Channel, the Home Secretary said: “Already we’re reducing the visas that we’re issuing, that’s already happening."

READ THE FULL EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE HOME SECRETARY HERE.

Refugee charity demands Starmer apologise over 'island of strangers' comment

A refugee charity has demanded Starmer apologise over his comment in today's press conference that the UK "risks becoming an island of strangers."

Care4Calais chief executive Steve Smith told The Telegraph: "This is dangerous language for any prime minister to use. Has Starmer forgotten last year’s far-right riots?

"Shameful language like this will only inflame the fire of the far-right and risks further race riots that endanger survivors of horrors such as war, torture and modern slavery. Starmer must apologise."

 WATCH: GB News Home and Security Editor Mark White reacts to Keir Starmer's latest migration crackdown

Former Labour MP accuses Keir Starmer's speech of being 'dehumanising and divisive' 

A former Labour MP who had the whip withdrawn over a row relating to the two child benefit cap accused Keir Starmer's speech as being "dehumanising and divisive."

Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana likened the Prime Minister's speech to one written by Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage as she blasted Starmer's announcement.

In reaction to today's speech, the Independent MP wrote on social media: "Did Nigel Farage write this speech? Dehumanising and divisive. We deserve better than this."

Kemi Badenoch says Labour 'can't be trusted' over borders

Kemi Badenoch has accused Labour of not believing in "secure borders" as she took a swipe at the Prime Minister's announcement.

The Conservative leader wrote on social media: "Keir Starmer once called all immigration laws racist. So why would anyone believe he actually wants to bring immigration down?

"When I proposed ending the automatic route to British citizenship and introducing a legally binding cap, the government laughed it off.

"Now, nine months into office and after voting against every serious attempt we’ve put forward to cut numbers,Starmer suddenly wants you to think he cares. Labour doesn’t believe in secure borders. You can’t trust them to protect ours."

Nigel Farage says the Prime Minister is 'making promises he can't keep'

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, accused Sir Keir Starmer in a post on social media of "making promises he can’t keep" as small boats migrants continued to arrive in the country.

Richard Tice added that "Starmer’s invasion continues", with "hundreds more arriving today...[the] British taxpayer suffers even more."

Suella Braverman accuses Labour of 'empty rhetoric' over ECHR stance

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman accused Labour of "empty rhetoric" over the refusal to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

She wrote on social media: "I’ve heard too many empty promises to believe this time will be any different. More empty rhetoric from Labour.

"Without leaving the ECHR and scrapping the Human Rights legislation we are unable to take back control of our borders.

The MP for Fareham and Waterlooville continued: "Otherwise, the Prime Minister’s lawyer mates will overturn any decisions in the courts and render these changes useless.

"If there’s no cap on numbers, no withdrawal from the ECHR and no HRA repeal, this is just a waste of everyone’s time."

Jeremy Corbyn takes swipe at successor as he says problems caused by 'economic system'

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called on his former party to "tax the rich" in a swipe at his successor.

The independent Islington North MP wrote on social media: "The problems in our society are not caused by migrants or refugees. They are caused by an economic system rigged in favour of corporations and billionaires.

"If the government wanted to improve people’s lives, it would tax the rich and build an economy that works for us all."

Mike Tapp says today's migration announcement is about 'putting workers first'

Labour MP Mike Tapp has taken a swipe at the Tories and he said today's announcement was about "putting British workers first."

The MP for Dover wrote on social media: "The Tories oversaw net migration of ONE MILLION. No control. Chaos!

"Labour will bring control, in line with British values; fairness with firmness, strength with decency. Putting British workers first."

Richard Tice says Labour has been 'listening and learning from Reform'

Richard Tice said Labour has been "listening and learning" from Reform UK following today's migration announcement.

The Reform UK deputy leader said: "There’s no target, no number that can be measured against, whereas we’ve got a clear target: net zero immigration.

"In terms of the visas that you issue, you have got to understand how many people genuinely are leaving the country. You have your ‘sort of’ target, and you operate it over, let’s say, a three-year basis, and that’s objective.

The Boston and Skegness MP continued: "What we actually talked about having, for example, an employer immigration tax. So you’ve got to encourage, motivate, and sometimes use carrot and stick for employers, to employ and train up and skill up our own British people."

Starmer says plans for controlling immigration should be seen 'in conjunction' with their work on welfare

Labour’s plans for controlling immigration should be seen "in conjunction" with their controversial set of welfare reforms, according to Keir Starmer

The Prime Minister was asked what his message was for “the nine million inactive adults in the UK” and to Labour MPs who may be “squeamish” about the Government’s tougher line on immigration.

He responded: "Well, firstly, let’s acknowledge, within that nine million there are some people who can’t work, and we need to be clear about that from the start, but there are others who can, and as we’ve set out in our welfare provisions, the principles are clear.

"Where people can’t work (or) are unlikely to be able to work, they should be protected and supported. But where people can get into work, they should be supported.

"The current system does the opposite, and so we will support them into work with a £1billion package, the right to try and measures like that and that if you can work, you should work and I do think that this White Paper should be seen in conjunction with what we’re doing on welfare."

Keir Starmer rules out leaving the ECHR as part of crackdown on immigration

The Prime Minister said he does not think it is necessary to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to continue his crackdown on immigration.

Asked at a press conference if going further on immigration would require “disentangling ourselves” with the ECHR, Sir Keir Starmer said: “No, I don’t think that that is necessary.

“I also remind myself that the international agreements we’ve signed have given us the basis for the deals that we’ve struck on illegal migration.

"So the Home Secretary has moved fast, working with other countries to put in place materially improved deals with other countries in relation to migration that would not have been possible if we had been saying at the same time we’re about to withdraw from our international obligations."

WATCH: GB News asks the Prime Minister about migration cap

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been forced to give a direct answer to GB News viewers after Christopher Hope grilled him on his refusal to set a net migration cap.

Addressing the nation in a press conference on Labour's new migration plan, the Prime Minister claimed that the "one nation experiment" on "open borders" is "over".

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Keir Starmer says 'migration is part of Britain’s national story'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said "migration is part of Britain’s national story" but promised it will fall as part of his plans.

He said: "Migration is part of Britain’s national story...We talked last week about the great rebuilding of this country after the war.

"Migrants were part of that, and they make a massive contribution today, and you will never hear me denigrate that.

"But when people come to our country, they should also commit to integration, to learning our language, and our system should actively distinguish between those that do and those that don’t. I think that’s fair."

Keir Starmer pledges that 'migration will fall' under today's plans

Sir Keir Starmer said that under today's plan "migration will fall" saying it is a "promise" to the voters.

He told today's press conference: "Make no mistake, this plan means migration will fall. That is a promise. But I want to be very clear on this.

"If we do need to take further steps, if we do need to do more to release pressure on housing and our public services then mark my words, we will.

"We will finally honour what take back control meant."

Keir Starmer dismisses Reform threat as PM outlines 'take back control' migration plan

Sir Keir Starmer has seemingly dismissed the threat posed by Reform UK as the Prime Minister outlined his migration crackdown plan.

The Prime Minister said: "I know that on a day like today, people who like politics will try to make this all about politics. About this or that strategy, targeting this voter, responding to that party.

"No. I'm doing this because it is right, because it is fair and because it is what I believe in."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Keir Starmer says 'we risk becoming an island of strangers' as he confirms White Paper plans

The Prime Minister said that "we risk becoming an island of strangers" as he called for "common sense" towards migration plans.

Starmer said: "Every area of the immigration system -work, family and study - will be tightened up so we have more control.

"[Without rules] we risk becoming an island of strangers...I believe we need to reduce immigration significantly."

Keir Starmer says 'we will take control of our borders' as he announces clampdown

The Prime Minister said the Tories' "experiment is over" as he vowed to "take control of our borders."

Speaking from Downing Street, The Prime Minister accused the Tories of presiding over "chaos" saying that today the government will publish a White Paper on immigration.

He said: "Today, this Labour government is shutting down the lab. The experiment is over. We will deliver what you’ve asked for time and again, and we will take back control of our borders."

WATCH: Matt Vickers calls Labour's migration plan a 'smokescreen'

​Shadow Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire Matt Vickers told GB News that Labour's migration plan is a "smokescreen."

Nigel Farage slams Keir Starmer's migration plan calling it the 'fightback' against Reform

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said Sir Keir Starmer starts his "big fightback" against his party, as he claimed 250 "young men" have already crossed the Channel today.

Farage wrote on social media: "On the day of Keir Starmer’s big fightback against Reform UK, 250 young men are already crossing the Channel by 8am.

How many are Iranian terrorists?"

Reform will use 'every possible legal lever' to close migrant hotels, Richard Tice claims

Richard Tice has detailed how Reform UK is taking legal action to prevent asylum seekers from being housed in hotels, following their mass victory in the recent local elections.

Speaking on GB News' Camilla Tominey Show, Reform's Deputy Leader revealed the party has assembled a legal team working at no cost to challenge the practice.

FULL STORY HERE.

Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns to stand for election as Green Party co-leaders

Adrian Ramsay will seek re-election as co-leader of the Green Party alongside fellow MP Ellie Chowns in what the duo are calling the party’s "most ambitious chapter yet."

The Waveney Valley MP announced the re-election bid just days after current co-leader Carla Denyer announced she would not stand again in order to focus on her work as Bristol Central MP.

Ramsay told The Guardian: "The reality is the MPs are setting the tone of what the Green Party is saying on the issues of the day, because they’re being debated in parliament. There’s a reason why parties have their leaders as MPs."

Meanwhile, Chowns, the MP for Herefordshire North said: "We’ve both won seats that were previously considered unwinnable.

"We know what it means to win against the odds. We know what it means to build the biggest possible, most inclusive possible campaign teams, to inspire people to take action that results in previously unthinkable political change."

Zack Polanski, the party’s deputy leader and a member of the London Assembly, also announced a leadership bid, saying his bid would be focused on transforming the Greens into an "eco-populism" mass movement to combat Reform UK.

Yvette Cooper to end overseas recruitment for care workers

The Government is going to stop overseas recruitment for care workers as part of its immigration reforms, the Home Secretary has said.

Yvette Cooper said rules around the visa will be changed to "prevent" being used to "recruit from abroad", but that companies will still be able to recruit from a pool of thousands of people who came to the UK on care visas for jobs that did not exist.

The plans have been criticised by the industry, who have warned the Government they have got it "badly wrong."