Today in Focus Does Labour’s new home secretary signal a harder line on immigration?
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Sep 23, 2025 
Peter Walker, Senior political correspondent at The Guardian, dives into Shabana Mahmood's impactful rise as Home Secretary. He explores her immigrant roots and how her Oxford background shapes her political identity. The discussion highlights her vocal pro-Palestine stance and her challenges in tackling prison reform. Walker also examines her priorities, including migration and modern slavery, and considers the potential implications of her appointment for Labour’s immigration policies. Tune in for a nuanced analysis!
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Birmingham Roots And Political Family
- Shabana Mahmood grew up in Birmingham as the daughter of Pakistani Kashmiri immigrants and spent early childhood years in Saudi Arabia.
- Her father was active in the local Labour party and raised her in a politically engaged household.
Oxford Law And Early Political Networks
- Mahmood read law at Oxford, led her junior common room and later trained as a barrister before entering politics at 29.
- She once nominated Rishi Sunak for a college post, showing early political network ties across parties.
A Centre-Right Labour Trajectory
- Mahmood is identified with the Labour right and Blue Labour, favouring communitarian and law-and-order positions.
- She retreated to the backbenches under Jeremy Corbyn but returned to prominence under Keir Starmer's leadership.