What was behind Starmer’s 'Enoch Powell' moment?

What was behind Starmer’s 'Enoch Powell' moment?

Electoral Dysfunction · 2025-05-16

Another week, another sticky situation for the prime minister and some of his MPs - this time it's centred around his language on immigration.

When Sir Keir Starmer announced his White Paper, he argued that Britain "risked becoming an island of strangers" if immigration levels were not cut.

So was he intentionally evoking Enoch Powell's infamous 1968 Rivers Of Blood speech? Or was this a big mistake?

Also, with the Assisted Dying Bill back in parliament this week, Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman go on a tour of the British Isles to look at how different parliaments are approaching their legislation. If MPs in Westminster vote their bill down, could it stop it in its tracks in Holyrood too?

Come and join us live on Tuesday 20 May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/

Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!

Electoral Dysfunction

Political powerhouses Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.

Every episode, they will examine politicians, what they stand for and how they sell polices as UK politics enters a new era.

They will work out which politicians are coming out on top and who is having an Electoral Dysfunction – and what it all actually means for you.

WhatsApp - 07934 200444

  • No. of episodes: 126
  • Latest episode: 2025-05-16
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