The network covered in their response the potential impact that the comments have on the experience of BAME people living in the UK.
The Prime Minister’s words drew sharp criticism and comparisons to Enoch Powell’s infamous 1968 speech warning that white people would become “strangers in their own country.”
PDA BAME Network President, Lola Dabiri, wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, drawing attention to members’ concerns for themselves, colleagues, their patients, and communities, especially following the riots last summer, which were motivated by racism.
Following the letter from the PDA BAME Network and others that raised concerns, Sir Keir Starmer said that he deeply regretted saying that the UK was at risk of becoming an “island of strangers.” In an interview with The Observer, Sir Keir Starmer admitted he would not have used the phrase had he or his team known its historical connotations. He acknowledged the mistake, saying, “It wasn’t right…” and “I deeply regret using it.” Further, he added, “I wouldn’t have used those words if I had known they were, or even would be interpreted as an echo of Powell.”
The PDA BAME Network then received a direct response from the Prime Minister’s office, which thanked members for sharing their concerns and personal stories, which had been noted. In particular, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of pharmacists as frontline workers who are integral to the community. Sir Keir Starmer thanked the PDA BAME Network members “for their hard work, dedication and immense contributions.”
Read the PDA BAME Network’s letter
Read the response from the Prime Minister’s office below
PDA BAME Network President Lola Dabiri said, “We were pleased to receive the response from the Prime Minister. His specific expression of gratitude towards PDA BAME Network members is encouraging. However, care must be consistently exercised in future statements, discussions, and implementation of the Immigration White Paper’s remit to ensure that vital contributions are constantly acknowledged and that the nation as a whole can bear in mind that narrative for the good of all. Our network will continue to voice this stance in all seasons.”
Get involved
- Join the PDA BAME Network
- Follow the PDA BAME Network on social media using #PDAbame
- If you would like to get involved with the network and its activities, email [email protected]
Learn more
- PM remarks at Immigration White Paper press conference: 12 May 2025
- Restoring control over the immigration system: white paper
- PDA comments on violence in the UK
- We must all be actively anti-racist
- Keir Starmer admits he ‘deeply regrets’ his ‘island of strangers’ immigration remark
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