Home Secretary brands rally racists 'heirs to skinheads'

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Stefan Rousseau

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described some attendees of last month's Unite the Kingdom rally as "heirs to the skinheads and the Paki-bashers of old". Speaking at the Labour Party conference, she said that whilst not everyone chanted racist slogans, some did, making it "clear that in their view of this country, I have no place".

Between 110,000 and 150,000 people turned out for the rally organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson on 13 September, according to the Metropolitan Police. The event resulted in 26 police officers being injured as they tried to keep the peace.

Mahmood told delegates the march took place "under the banner of a convicted criminal and a former BNP (British National Party) member". She warned it would be wrong to dismiss the event as merely "an angry minority", saying it reflected "something bigger, something broader, that is happening across this country".

Stricter immigration requirements announced

The Home Secretary outlined new conditions for migrants seeking indefinite leave to remain status. Under the proposed changes, applicants will need to learn English to a high standard, maintain a clean criminal record, and volunteer in their community.

They will also be required to be in employment, pay national insurance and not claim benefits. A consultation on these changes will be launched later this year.

The government plans to increase the waiting time before migrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain from five years to 10 years. Currently, most migrants on time-limited work visas can apply after five years in Britain.

Warning about political division

Mahmood warned that working-class communities could turn away from Labour if the government fails to address immigration concerns. She said they might "seek solace in the false promises of (Reform UK leader Nigel) Farage" if action is not taken.

"They will turn towards something smaller, something narrower, something less welcoming, and the division within this country will grow," she told delegates. The Home Secretary argued that "patriotism, a force for good, is turning into something smaller, something more like ethno-nationalism".

She framed the challenge as "not just to win the next election but to keep the country together and to fight for our belief in a greater Britain, not a littler England". Mahmood said "the story of who we are is contested".

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.