Tony Blair advises Starmer to maintain control over immigration to address the surge in far-right movements.

Tony Blair has urged Keir Starmer to “close off the avenues” for the populist right by maintaining strict immigration controls. The former prime minister emphasized the need for the new government to address grievances exploited by parties like Nigel Farage’s Reform UK while remaining centrist to keep Labour’s electoral coalition intact.

Blair acknowledged the positive impact of immigration, criticizing the Conservative party’s damaging approach. In his first interview since Labour’s recent electoral victory, Blair also advised Starmer to be realistic about the challenges of meeting climate targets and suggested the UK might eventually need to join a regional grouping with European neighbors to stay competitive globally.

At the upcoming Future of Britain conference, Blair plans to argue that AI adoption in the public sector could save £12bn annually by the end of the current term. He stressed that addressing the rise of the radical right is crucial, especially after Reform UK won five seats and 14% of the vote in the recent election.

Blair highlighted that populists exploit existing grievances, which necessitates strong immigration controls. While celebrating the benefits of immigration, he supported Starmer’s plans to redirect funds from the Rwanda scheme to establish the new Border Security Command to combat illegal migration. Additionally, Blair called for serious attention to law and order and cultural issues, urging Labour to remain centrist.

Despite advocating for a cautious approach towards closer ties with Europe, Blair argued that the UK must eventually be part of a political family on its continent to compete with global giants like the US, China, and India. He criticized Brexit’s impact on migration from Europe, which led to higher immigration from Asia and Africa.

Blair, who has been in regular contact with Starmer, praised Labour’s historic victory and acknowledged the challenges in achieving net zero emissions by 2030. He warned that the gap between promises and reality is significant, requiring time and effort to meet renewable energy targets.

Blair also emphasized the transformative potential of AI, comparing its impact to the Industrial Revolution, and advocated for digital identity cards to streamline access to services. He dismissed civil liberties concerns, noting the extensive data already shared with private companies, and highlighted the importance of robust protections.

Blair’s comments reflect his ongoing engagement with current political issues and his vision for the future direction of the UK under Labour’s leadership.