Shabana Mahmood, newly appointed by Sir Keir Starmer as Britain’s first female Muslim Home Secretary, is set to take a harder stance on illegal migration as Labour seeks to regain public confidence on the issue.
Mahmood, who previously impressed as Justice Secretary by deftly handling the prison overcrowding crisis and disputes over sentencing, has been tasked with applying the same assured, uncompromising style to immigration.
Report reveals that her background and political positioning within Blue Labour make her well-placed to deliver tough messages that resonate with voters disillusioned by the government’s handling of the small boats crisis.
In an interview with the media, Mahmood said her approach is rooted in “faith, flag and family,” reflecting her constituents’ desire for a fair but firm migration system.
Representing Birmingham Ladywood, where 70% of residents are non-white, she argued that many immigrants value strict rules and expect the same fairness for new arrivals.
Polls also suggest widespread dissatisfaction, with 71% of voters believing the government has mishandled asylum hotels.
Mahmood inherits a framework set by Yvette Cooper, including cooperation with France, counter-terror style laws against smugglers, restrictions on family reunions, and curbs on judges’ powers over deportations.
Basically, her role will be to strengthen and sell these measures as part of Starmer’s phase 2agenda.
She has already signalled support for reforming Britain’s sweeping application of the European Convention on Human Rights and urged police to focus on core duties.
