Source: Foundation for Economic Education
by Jake Scott
“It’s been a year since Sir Keir Starmer became our Prime Minister, and he is already earning a reputation as someone consistently inconsistent. ‘Mr. U-Turn,’ as he’s being called, famously gave a speech in May over reforms to Britain’s immigration policies. Dubbed the ‘Island of Strangers’ speech, it was well-received by the public, despite criticism for its similarities to Enoch Powell’s famous ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech. But as it turns out, the speech was not one that Starmer bothered to read, admitting he should have ‘read through it properly’ as he expressed regret for his remarks. But this is not the only U-Turn Starmer has made in recent days. The more consequential reversion, and one prompting a major rebellion from backbenchers — the MPs in his party who are not part of the cabinet — is over welfare reforms, which are both controversial and necessary.” (07/09/25)