Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to detail her immigration reforms today
Labour MP Catherine Atkinson has been grilled by GB News host Nana Akua on Shabana Mahmood's planned immigration reforms, as she refused to voice her support.
Speaking to the People's Channel, the Victims Minister was pressed by Nana on whether she backs the policies proposed by the Home Secretary.
Nana asked Ms Atkinson: "What are your thoughts, where do you stand? Personally, do you back Shabana Mahmood's immigration changes?"
She responded: "Well, we had had a consultation on indefinite right to remain, and it's important that there are always learnings from that, but people want a firm and fair immigration system.
"We've seen net migration come down by 82 per cent, and we've seen the sanctions that have resulted in more deportations of foreign national offenders. And we are making progress on small boats, so I think that there is so much work that is happening when it comes to our immigration processes, and a lot more that's needed."
Pressing Ms Atkinson again, Nana asked the MP: "So is that a yes? You back her?"
She told Nana: "I think we have seen Shabana Mahmood as a hugely effective Home Secretary, and we need to see what will happen next post consultation on this issue."
Grilling Ms Atkinson a third time, Nana put the question to the Labour minister again: "It was just a quick question, it was a yes or no - do you back her reforms, yes or no?"
Ms Atkinson voiced her support for Ms Mahmood, responding: "I certainly back our Home Secretary, and I think that she will take the measures necessary to ensure that we have a firm and fair immigration policy.
"We need to see what will come forward post consultation, and then I will be able to see what you want me to be backing. But absolutely, I have every confidence in our Home Secretary."
Turning to illegal migration, Nana asked Ms Atkinson if she was aware of how many people crossed into Britain in small boats over the weekend.
Ms Atkinson dodged the question, telling GB News: "I think it is really concerning whenever we see people coming over illegally.
"I think it's really concerning that we are still seeing trafficking happening, and we even though we've made really important strides in bringing down small boats, we haven't solved it yet.
"They became entrenched over years and years under the previous Government, and that is why action is continues to be needed."
Ms Atkinson then argued: "Every small boat that comes over is a boat too many."
Informing Ms Atkinson of the correct figure, Nana told the MP: "Well, it was 128 in one boat, which are no longer small boats, and in total it was 225."
Ms Atkinson assured GB News viewers: "We are taking actions to bring down the numbers, and they have come down. More is needed and continuing work is needed, but that is what this Government is delivering."
In a statement on the latest record number of arrivals, a Home Office spokesperson said: “Smuggling gangs are taking greater risks than ever with the number of people they are cramming into unseaworthy boats rising year on year.
"This crossing serves as a stark reminder that criminal gangs have no regard for the safety of those they claim to help, the reality is clear and lives are being lost in the Channel as a result.
"This is exactly why we have signed a new deal with the French to prevent these perilous journeys by boosting enforcement action on beaches, building on the over 45,000 attempted crossings stopped since the election."
