LONDON: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has weighed in on the political landscape following Keir Starmer’s resounding election victory, advising the new prime minister to prioritize a plan for immigration control.
Blair, in an article published in the Sunday Times, highlighted the disruptive impact facing traditional political parties across the Western world, citing the emergence of new political entrants like the Reform UK Party, led by Brexit advocate Nigel Farage. The Reform UK Party secured five seats in the Westminster parliament and garnered 14 percent of the vote, primarily targeting disaffected Conservative voters.
“My advice to Keir Starmer,” Blair wrote, “is that we urgently need a plan to control immigration. If we fail to establish clear rules, we risk fostering societal prejudices.”
Blair, who led the Labour Party to three consecutive election victories starting in 1997, emphasized the need for updated immigration policies amidst evolving societal and technological landscapes. He advocated for the adoption of digital ID technology as a modern solution to manage irregular immigration.
“We should embrace digital ID technology, aligning with global trends,” Blair proposed. “Alternatively, stringent border controls must be effectively implemented.”
Blair underscored the importance of a stringent approach to law and order, citing the rapid modernization of criminal elements outpacing law enforcement capabilities.
Furthermore, Blair cautioned against potential vulnerabilities in Labour’s stance on “wokeism,” advising Starmer to navigate policies perceived as overly politically correct with caution.
