Will Burnham back Labour's anti-migrant policies?
With the UK government's racist and authoritarian Immigration and Asylum Bill being debated today, the Scottish Greens have urged the incoming Prime Minister to end Labour’s attacks on migrants and people seeking asylum.
The party’s justice spokesperson, Maggie Chapman, has also urged Burnham to remove Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary and begin the work of building an immigration system rooted in dignity, compassion and human rights rather than cruelty, persecution and punishment.
Maggie said:
“Labour’s anti-migrant bill is one of Keir Starmer’s darkest legacies. It takes a system that already dehumanises people seeking safety and makes it even more hostile, punitive and authoritarian.
“This bill is rooted in the same poisonous politics that have fuelled division for years. Instead of challenging the fear and scapegoating pushed by the far right, Labour has chosen to echo it. That is a profound moral failure.
“People come here seeking safety, opportunity and the chance to rebuild their lives. They deserve dignity and solidarity, not suspicion, hostility and persecution.
“There is still time to stop this bill. Andy Burnham has promised a different kind of politics, and this is the first real test of that promise. He can choose to break with this shameful approach and begin building an asylum and immigration system based on justice, humanity and our shared values.”
Maggie added:
“One of Andy Burnham’s first decisions will be who he entrusts with the Home Office. Keeping Shabana Mahmood in post would send a clear message that nothing has changed and that Labour intends to continue down the same cruel path.
“If this new government is serious about turning the page, it cannot keep pursuing policies that criminalise people seeking safety or treat migrants as political scapegoats. Real leadership means rejecting fear and building a system that reflects compassion, fairness and respect for human rights.”