Best of the Spectator Coffee House Shots: Shabana Mahmood in conversation with Michael Gove
Sep 29, 2025
In a compelling conversation, Shabana Mahmood, Labour MP and former Home Secretary, shares her bold vision for tackling migration, integration, and community cohesion. She argues for digital ID cards to enhance security and reduce fraud while assessing the Home Office's current capabilities. Shabana also confronts rising anti-Muslim sentiment and emphasizes the importance of negotiated rights for women and trans individuals. With personal reflections on faith and public service, she highlights the need for meaningful change and accountability in governance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Conditions Unlock Civic Tolerance
- Shabana argues many people moved from patriotism toward ethno-nationalism but can be persuaded back.
- She says secure borders, fair migration and safe streets are prerequisites to unlock national tolerance.
Make Settled Status Conditional
- Introduce formal contribution tests and longer qualifying periods before granting settled status.
- Consult on broader tests and consider moving from five to ten years for settled status.
Care Visa Abuse Undermined Control
- Mahmood criticises the care worker visa as widely abused and linked to organised criminality.
- She says routes that allow exploitation undermine claims of taking back control of migration.
