Andrew Neil claims Keir Starmer's Government is gaslighting Brits (Image: Getty)
Andrew Neil has accused Sir Keir Starmer of taking "lying and gaslighting" to a "deplorable" level. The veteran journalist and broadcaster took aim at the Prime Minister after the Home Office trumpeted the latest net migration figures, which show a 50% reduction on 2023's numbers.
Mr Neil argued in his latest opinion piece for the Daily Mail that the fall in net migration was "largely" the result of tougher visa rules brought in under the previous Conservative government when James Cleverly was home secretary. He said that while it was in opposition Labour had attacked Mr Cleverly's rule-tightening, with then Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper dismissing it as "chaotic" and a "Tory failure".
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Linda Kozlowski, 67, Shows Off Her Perfect Figure In A New PhotoPaperela | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Labour MPs hate Keir Starmer after winter fuel payment U-turn and 'want him to resign'
32 Comments
Keir Starmer is about to take credit for something he had absolutely no hand in
129 Comments
Shock poll shows Reform storming ahead on 29% as Tories drop to FOURTH
1233 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1177 Comments
Migration madness as Keir Starmer plots stealth 'free movement' deal
481 Comments
DWP Winter Fuel Payment U-turn update as Starmer holds talks
3 Comments
Keir Starmer drops two massive clue Labour are panicking about Reform UK
23 Comments
Pensioners could be forced to wait 12 months for Keir Starmer's winter fuel U-turn
73 Comments
Nigel Farage to issue huge challenge to Keir Starmer in major speech
434 Comments
Nigel Farage exposes Keir Starmer 'surrender' to EU in major Brexit betrayal
1531 Comments
‘Massive sell out!' Keir Starmer condemned over latest EU migration scheme concession
252 Comments
Starmer has been PM for 320 days and he's already made 13 humiliating U-turns
23 Comments
Kemi Badenoch vows to continue fight for pensioners after Keir Starmer's U-turn
7 Comments
'Speak plainly!' Trevor Phillips skewers Angela Rayner in Sky News clash
332 Comments
Clint Eastwood's New Home Makes Us All Look TwiceThe Mom Pack | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
POLL: Who do you think should replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader?
695 Comments
Keir Starmer 'breaking news' on GB News leaves PM humiliated as 'victory' torn apart
6 Comments
21 Photos Accidentally Captured by Trail Cams.App Cute | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Angela Rayner declares war on Rachel Reeves in Sky interview demanding benefit U-turns
101 Comments
The shocking number of migrants still moving to Britain revealed in major update
349 Comments
Has Honda Done It Again? The New Honda CR-V is Finally Here.TheDaddest | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Keir Starmer battling Rachel Reeves over ending two-child benefit cap in new u-turn
53 Comments
Pollster John Curtice issues devastating warning for Keir Starmer on U-turn
300 Comments
She Was Just Hiding for Fun, Then She Found Something Amazing!Finance Nemo | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
Labour MPs hate Keir Starmer after winter fuel payment U-turn and 'want him to resign'
32 Comments
Keir Starmer is about to take credit for something he had absolutely no hand in
129 Comments
Type In Any Name, Wait 120+ Seconds, See Instant ResultsFastest Search | Sponsored Sponsored
Search Now
Undo
Shock poll shows Reform storming ahead on 29% as Tories drop to FOURTH
1233 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1177 Comments
Jaws Whiskey Cup: A Must-Have for Movie Fans and Collectors.Graddi | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
Migration madness as Keir Starmer plots stealth 'free movement' deal
481 Comments
DWP Winter Fuel Payment U-turn update as Starmer holds talks
3 Comments
These Solar Pathway Lights Transform My Garden into a Glowing Paradise!Graddi | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
Keir Starmer drops two massive clue Labour are panicking about Reform UK
23 Comments
Pensioners could be forced to wait 12 months for Keir Starmer's winter fuel U-turn
73 Comments
Seniors Can Now Fly Business Class For the Price Of EconomyInsider | Travel Deals | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Nigel Farage to issue huge challenge to Keir Starmer in major speech
434 Comments
Nigel Farage exposes Keir Starmer 'surrender' to EU in major Brexit betrayal
1531 Comments
Young Woman lives in an Old Shed - take a look insideTips and Tricks | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
‘Massive sell out!' Keir Starmer condemned over latest EU migration scheme concession
252 Comments
Starmer has been PM for 320 days and he's already made 13 humiliating U-turns
23 Comments
This Tiny House Is Only 32 Sq. Ft., Here's How It Looks Inside!Little Fries | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Kemi Badenoch vows to continue fight for pensioners after Keir Starmer's U-turn
7 Comments
'Speak plainly!' Trevor Phillips skewers Angela Rayner in Sky News clash
332 Comments
POLL: Who do you think should replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader?
695 Comments
Keir Starmer 'breaking news' on GB News leaves PM humiliated as 'victory' torn apart
6 Comments
Angela Rayner declares war on Rachel Reeves in Sky interview demanding benefit U-turns
101 Comments
The shocking number of migrants still moving to Britain revealed in major update
349 Comments
Keir Starmer battling Rachel Reeves over ending two-child benefit cap in new u-turn
53 Comments
Pollster John Curtice issues devastating warning for Keir Starmer on U-turn
300 Comments
Labour MPs hate Keir Starmer after winter fuel payment U-turn and 'want him to resign'
32 Comments
Keir Starmer is about to take credit for something he had absolutely no hand in
129 Comments
Shock poll shows Reform storming ahead on 29% as Tories drop to FOURTH
1233 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1177 Comments
Migration madness as Keir Starmer plots stealth 'free movement' deal
481 Comments
DWP Winter Fuel Payment U-turn update as Starmer holds talks
3 Comments
Keir Starmer drops two massive clue Labour are panicking about Reform UK
23 Comments
READ MORE: Angela Rayner's one-word verdict on whether she'll replace Keir Starmer as PM
Get the latest politics news straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Mr Neil said that didn't stop Sir Keir tweeting the claim that Labour "have nearly halved net migration in the last year", adding: "We're taking back control." The journalist added: "Labour, of course, had done no such thing. It had merely presided over implementing the new rules it inherited from the Tories."
He said: "This is not misleading or obfuscation or being economical with the truth or any other circumlocution we might like to fall back on to gloss over what is really happening. It is, in plain English, a downright lie."
Powered By
00:00/01:55
10 Sec
678.7K
84
Keir Starmer speaks on situation in Israel and Gaza
Next
Stay
The net migration figure stood at an estimated 431,000 in the year ending December 2024, down 49.9% from 860,000 a year earlier, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Sponsored
La Compagnie | Sponsored Sponsored
Book Now
Fly New York to Paris in Luxury with La Compagnie
Undo
It marked the biggest calendar-year drop since the early stages of the Covid pandemic when net migration fell from 184,000 in the year ending December 2019 to 93,000 in the year ending December 2020.
The latest decrease was the largest numerical drop on record and the ONS said the decline was driven by falling numbers of people coming to work and study in the UK. Long-term immigration fell below one million for the first time in around three years.
Mr Neil argued Labour's victory claim was motivated by its desperation to counter the appeal of Reform UK, which has exploited public concern about mass migration to the UK.
Ms Cooper has said the fall in net migration was "welcome after the figures quadrupled to nearly a million in the last parliament". She added: "Our Immigration White Paper sets out radical reforms to further reduce net migration."
Don't miss...
'Speak plainly' Trevor Phillips skewers Angela Rayner in Sky News clash [WATCH]
Rachel Reeves is reversing her worse decision – seven more errors she must undo [LATEST]
Keir Starmer battling Rachel Reeves over ending two-child benefit cap [REPORT]
Trending
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The Prime Minister, who said the country risks becoming an "island of strangers" without better integration, has said he wants net migration to have fallen "significantly" by the next general election - but refused to set a target number.
Sir Keir's plan includes reforming work and study visas and requiring a higher level of English across all immigration routes, and is expected to reduce the number of people coming to the UK by up to 100,000 per year.
The PM's reference to strangers faced criticism - including from Labour backbenchers - as it was said by some to have echoes of Enoch Powell's infamous "rivers of blood" speech.
In a further take down, Mr Neil suggested Brits shouldn't be surprised "lying and gaslighting" have become "distinguishing features" of Sir Keir's Government.
As evidence, he pointed to Sir Keir's support for former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and election pledges by the party not to raise taxes, while going on to do so to the tune of ￡40billion, according to Mr Neil.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Labour MPs hate Keir Starmer after winter fuel payment U-turn and 'want him to resign'
32 Comments
Keir Starmer is about to take credit for something he had absolutely no hand in
129 Comments
Shock poll shows Reform storming ahead on 29% as Tories drop to FOURTH
1233 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1177 Comments
Migration madness as Keir Starmer plots stealth 'free movement' deal
481 Comments
DWP Winter Fuel Payment U-turn update as Starmer holds talks
3 Comments
Keir Starmer drops two massive clue Labour are panicking about Reform UK
23 Comments
Pensioners could be forced to wait 12 months for Keir Starmer's winter fuel U-turn
73 Comments
Nigel Farage to issue huge challenge to Keir Starmer in major speech
434 Comments
Nigel Farage exposes Keir Starmer 'surrender' to EU in major Brexit betrayal
1531 Comments
‘Massive sell out!' Keir Starmer condemned over latest EU migration scheme concession
252 Comments
Starmer has been PM for 320 days and he's already made 13 humiliating U-turns
23 Comments
Kemi Badenoch vows to continue fight for pensioners after Keir Starmer's U-turn
7 Comments
'Speak plainly!' Trevor Phillips skewers Angela Rayner in Sky News clash
332 Comments
Check Your Credit Score for Free TodayIntuit Credit Karma | Sponsored Sponsored
Sign Up
Undo
POLL: Who do you think should replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader?
695 Comments
Keir Starmer 'breaking news' on GB News leaves PM humiliated as 'victory' torn apart
6 Comments
Walmart Cameras Captured These Hilarious 20 Photos.Your Health Agent | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Angela Rayner declares war on Rachel Reeves in Sky interview demanding benefit U-turns
101 Comments
The shocking number of migrants still moving to Britain revealed in major update
349 Comments
They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock YouFab Pop | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Keir Starmer battling Rachel Reeves over ending two-child benefit cap in new u-turn
53 Comments
Pollster John Curtice issues devastating warning for Keir Starmer on U-turn
300 Comments
A Look Inside the Royal Family’s Luxurious Private HomesSneakerToast | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Labour MPs hate Keir Starmer after winter fuel payment U-turn and 'want him to resign'
32 Comments
Keir Starmer is about to take credit for something he had absolutely no hand in
129 Comments
At 48, Tiger Woods Shows the Inside of His House, Take A LookLittle Fries | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Shock poll shows Reform storming ahead on 29% as Tories drop to FOURTH
1233 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1177 Comments
Valerie Bertinelli's Inheritance Makes The HeadlinesGameBea | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
Migration madness as Keir Starmer plots stealth 'free movement' deal
481 Comments
DWP Winter Fuel Payment U-turn update as Starmer holds talks
3 Comments
Milana, 38, Shows Her Huge Size In New PhotosSuburban Finance | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
Keir Starmer drops two massive clue Labour are panicking about Reform UK
23 Comments
Pensioners could be forced to wait 12 months for Keir Starmer's winter fuel U-turn
73 Comments
This Salve Quickly Soothes & Helps Dry Itchy Skintryblossom | Sponsored Sponsored
Shop Now
Undo
Nigel Farage to issue huge challenge to Keir Starmer in major speech
434 Comments
Nigel Farage exposes Keir Starmer 'surrender' to EU in major Brexit betrayal
1531 Comments
10 Best Mattresses by Consumer Reports (Here's What You May Not Want to Miss)QuestionHero | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
‘Massive sell out!' Keir Starmer condemned over latest EU migration scheme concession
252 Comments
Starmer has been PM for 320 days and he's already made 13 humiliating U-turns
23 Comments
Empty Mississippi River Cruises Cost Basically NothingCruisesService | Search Ads | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Kemi Badenoch vows to continue fight for pensioners after Keir Starmer's U-turn
7 Comments
'Speak plainly!' Trevor Phillips skewers Angela Rayner in Sky News clash
332 Comments
POLL: Who do you think should replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader?
695 Comments
Keir Starmer 'breaking news' on GB News leaves PM humiliated as 'victory' torn apart
6 Comments
Angela Rayner declares war on Rachel Reeves in Sky interview demanding benefit U-turns
101 Comments
The shocking number of migrants still moving to Britain revealed in major update
349 Comments
Keir Starmer battling Rachel Reeves over ending two-child benefit cap in new u-turn
53 Comments
Pollster John Curtice issues devastating warning for Keir Starmer on U-turn
300 Comments
Labour MPs hate Keir Starmer after winter fuel payment U-turn and 'want him to resign'
32 Comments
Keir Starmer is about to take credit for something he had absolutely no hand in
129 Comments
Shock poll shows Reform storming ahead on 29% as Tories drop to FOURTH
1233 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1177 Comments
Migration madness as Keir Starmer plots stealth 'free movement' deal
481 Comments
DWP Winter Fuel Payment U-turn update as Starmer holds talks
3 Comments
Keir Starmer drops two massive clue Labour are panicking about Reform UK
23 Comments
Search For International Capital Solutions.Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Do You Remember Her? You Better Sit Down Before You See Her TodayWomenSportOnline.com
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Search For Flower Plant Delivery Services.Flower Plant Delivery | Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Dog Refuses To Leave Woman Alone - Her Husband Bursts Out In Tears When He Realizes Whyuniversalinfonet.com
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
He went on to list "porky pies" that were "too ludicrous" to take seriously, including Cabinet minister Lucy Powell claiming the Government had to cut the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners to avoid a run on the pound.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood's floating the idea of chemical castration for sex offenders he described as an "absurd proposition" which would never happen.
The Labour Party has been approached for comment.