Analysing Framing and Positional Change in Labour's Immigration Stance under the Leadership of Keir Starmer

Abstract

This thesis examines whether Labour under Keir Starmer shifted to the right on immigration. It focuses on how the party framed immigration over time and whether that framing became more restrictive. The study is based on a qualitative content analysis of official Labour sources, including manifestos, speeches, and public statements. It codes material for framing, secondary framing, position, and attack orientation. The analysis is informed by literature on centre-left party competition, issue ownership, and party repositioning. It also considers the strategic pressures that immigration creates for mainstream left parties. The findings suggest a gradual rather than abrupt shift. Labour's language moved from more permissive and humanitarian framing toward stronger emphasis on control, enforcement, and toughness. It also suggests that analysing framing and the grounds on which parties attack their rivals is useful for capturing how parties redefine themselves on contested socio-cultural issues.