I must admit, I was surprised by the words used by Starmer. I gather the actual wording used within the paper was less 'eye catchung' than used in the forward and the speech but still. Not least I'm surprised because of his past comments, even signing a letter to prevent the removal of foreign criminals a year or two ago!

So strong language used, but he is right. Immigration levels at where they are for the last few years (under the Tories) of touching 1m a year is wholly off the scale and impossible to maintain living standards with. The levels since 2004 (around 250000-350,000) is itself historically extremely high and is totally changing the economy and society and if poorly managed is creating very divided societies. The lack of integration is a very serious issue, the impact on housing, services (good and bad) and on training, our economy (good and bad) and our society generally (good and bad) is really very significant.

The Enoch Powell accusation is used (like Tommy Robinson, like Maggie Thatcher, like Trump, like Hitler) to shut down the debate on this topic and it amazes me that anyone thinks that strategy still works. Rhetoric and tone matters but people are sick of things not changing and having their concerns dismissed.

There was a yougov poll on newsnight last night about what Starmer said and the findings were;

Generally tend to agree with his sentiments - 53
Generally tend not to agree with his sentiments - 27

Language he used was okay -50%
Language he used was not okay - 30%

Timing wise, I think there's a few things at play

1- immigration figures are out next week. They will fall apparently which will be presented as positive and he wants to nail Labours colours to that mast.

2 - Reform doing so well in the local elections, particularly in working class areas

3 - the damned reality of government. When in opposition he can say what he likes about immigration. When in government he has to deal with it, and the reality of its impact on a wide range of topics