Perception is everything in politics.
Yes, immigration will still be the main topic and Labour will have to take unpalatable actions to stay in power. Starmer has been clear he will govern for all. And that includes people we don't agree with.
Not sure what your 'unpalatable actions' might be, but I would suggest to all left and centrist governments to listen to their voters fears. They might be stupid, they might be disprovable, they might be racist, they might be shameful... but they all vote, and we agree; politics is perception.
The issues in France are not the same as in the UK. Labourβs reluctance to talk about the nature and benefits and, instead, jump on the small boats, will backfire, as it forces them to alienate their grassroots with far right immigration policies or be seen another source of broken promises