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Original poster

So who is going to be brave enough to ask whether Shabana Mahmood's proposed reforms are right/sensible/racist?

538 replies

Papyrophile · 16/11/2025 17:26

Is Shabana Mahmood right or wrong to restrict asylum seeker's rights? In general?

OP posts:
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GeneralPeter · 16/11/2025 17:50

The changes seem pretty limited in practice but the shift in tone is very welcome.

Not specifically that the tone has become more hard-line. I think that’s probably inevitable and right, given the situation, but it’s not the thing that heartens me the most.

But that we’ve finally broken with the “nothing can be done” line that Labour defaults to on any issue involving laws. You are the government, you have agency and a mandate and a majority. Use it! Or what’s the point of being in power.

Original poster
Papyrophile · 16/11/2025 17:49

Right now, the zeitgeist is havering between the "accepting every refugee and economic migrant" and total close down. Upfront, I lean towards close down. I love our country's landscape, and I'd be angry if it was all built up.

OP posts:
NewInks · 16/11/2025 17:41

What do you think?

Original poster
Papyrophile · 16/11/2025 17:40

AnneLovesGilbert · 16/11/2025 17:26

Why would someone have to be brave to have an opinion? Why don’t you start by saying what you think of her plans?

I think she has read the room and her response is perfect.

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SheinIsShite · 16/11/2025 17:39

The only way they are going to tackle the problem is by stopping the ability for people to work illegally. Yes there are fines for employing illegal workers and yes they introduced right to work checks and they are making noises about digital ID cards.

Many of the people coming on small boats (and I know they are the minority of immigrants) are coming to work illegally. Remove that possibility and they will go elsewhere. How you do that though I'm not sure.

Original poster
Papyrophile · 16/11/2025 17:37

Shabana Mahmoud is the Home Secretary, in charge of the internal affairs, policing and general management of the UK. Police, justice etc. A government department that is always viewed as the hardest to run, and the most likely to go awry.

Specifically, I would be interested in your responses to her proposals for asylum seekers, trailed today.

OP posts:
ExitPursuedByABare · 16/11/2025 17:36

I think it’s great. And so relieved it’s the Labour Party introducing it. The Tories would have had their arse handed to them on a plate.

Chiseltip · 16/11/2025 17:35

If your (insert any foreign person) neighbour asked you for a tenner, and you genuinely couldn't afford to give it to them, because you didn't have enough money yourself. What would you say to someone who suggested that you were being racist when you refused to help them?

Minty25 · 16/11/2025 17:35

I absolutely think this is a step in the right direction. Things are out of control. I also think she comes across very well in the interviews she did today.

LighthouseLED · 16/11/2025 17:31

I think she is right that something has to be done.

I like that she’s looking to Europe for examples. Makes a change to try and learn from other countries.

Dozer · 16/11/2025 17:28

Why are you naming her as an individual rather than talking about the government’s plans?

AnneLovesGilbert · 16/11/2025 17:26

Why would someone have to be brave to have an opinion? Why don’t you start by saying what you think of her plans?