During an interview on TalkTV, Keir Starmer faced widespread criticism for dismissing calls for a comprehensive inquiry into grooming gangs as “far-right.” In a fiery exchange that captured growing national frustration, Isabelle Oakeshott, speaking on the morning news show, strongly criticized Starmer’s remarks, calling them a tone-deaf response to a deeply sensitive issue.
Oakeshott slammed Starmer’s inability to address the public’s genuine concerns, stating:
“When the nation cries out for leadership, Starmer brushes off critics with dismissive rhetoric. It’s astonishing and shows a complete inability to empathize with the fears of ordinary people.”
She highlighted the deepening public anger over the systemic failures to address grooming gang scandals, particularly in towns like Rochdale and Rotherham, where thousands of young girls were subjected to horrific abuse.
The backlash comes as parents and victims demand accountability. One caller to the show expressed the collective outrage:
“I just want to raise my daughters in a country where they are safe. How can leaders ignore such widespread fear and fury?”
Oakeshott pointed to the mounting fear in communities, with violent crimes, including the recent stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in London, exacerbating public disillusionment.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, Oakeshott described the current political and cultural climate as unprecedented:
“I’ve reported on UK politics for over 20 years, through Labour and Conservative governments, but I’ve never seen our country in such a diminished state. Britain feels like it’s dying.”
She attributed this decline to weak leadership, cultural disintegration, and the unchecked importation of people who fail to integrate or contribute meaningfully to British society.
Oakeshott called for a tougher stance on immigration policies, arguing:
“If you are granted the privilege of living in the UK, there should be expectations—learning the language, integrating into society, and making a positive contribution. The current system is a drain on the economy and undermines community cohesion.”
