Nearly all women arriving on small boats have been raped, says Shabana Mahmood
Home secretary warns people traffickers will exploit asylum seekers because they decide who comes to the UK
TL;DR
- Shabana Mahmood claims nearly all women arriving on small boats from northern France have been raped during their journey.
- She stated that criminal gangs, who are also people traffickers, control who reaches the UK, leading to exploitation of asylum seekers.
- Mahmood criticized far-right, balaclava-wearing activists, calling them 'troublemakers' who would harm her and reject her belonging in the UK.
- She identified with the pro-Palestinian cause and felt uncomfortable with the arrest of activists for supporting Palestine Action.
- Mahmood defended the enforcement of the ban on Palestine Action despite her personal discomfort.
- A government spokesperson stated that Border Security Command monitors the Channel and processes small boat arrivals.
- The Refugee Council welcomed the acknowledgment of sexual violence but questioned the closure of safe and legal routes for asylum seekers.