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Shabana Mahmood

The latest news and top stories on Shabana Mahmood, Justice Secretary. A British politician and barrister, she has served as MP for Birmingham Ladywood since 2010. Appointed Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice in July 2024, she is the first Muslim and third female to hold this historic role. Her responsibilities include overseeing the justice system, judicial policy and legal aid. She has focused on tackling prison overcrowding, implementing early release schemes and emphasising restricted freedoms for community sentences. Her background includes various shadow cabinet roles, demonstrating extensive experience in legal and governmental affairs.

Shabana Mahmood

China’s Li congratulates Andy Burnham on becoming Britain’s new prime minister

Li said strengthening dialogue and cooperation between ⁠China and the UK will benefit ‌the nations and ‘inject stability into global ‌peace’.

UK’s new PM Andy Burnham vows to end years of instability

UK grooming gangs scandal deepens Labour’s woes amid voter backlash

UK to change law in bid to deport grooming gang ringleader

Home secretary proposes emergency amendment to strip 1971 legal protections from ‘the vilest foreign criminals’.

UK counterterror police take lead in suspected murder of ex-minister

Suspect rearrested on terror charges after ‘new information and evidence’ emerges in killing of Ann Widdecombe.

UK’s Starmer gives Apple, Google 3 months to stop kids sending nude images

If firms do not act, the PM said, ‘we will change the law … when it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option’.

Clashes erupt in UK city over racially charged case of handcuffed dying student

Police face investigation for handcuffing 18-year-old Henry Nowak as he lay ⁠dying due to a racism accusation.

Who could replace Starmer as UK prime minister?

As rebellion reaches a fever pitch, here’s some names in the frame if Keir Starmer is forced out.

2 dead after boat runs aground in France in failed crossing to UK

The vessel carried 82 people but ran aground with 65 on board after a French gendarmerie vessel rescued 17.

UK raises terror threat level to ‘severe’ after Jewish-targeted stabbings

UK declares an ‘antisemitism emergency’ and police probe potential Iranian proxy links to Golders Green attack.

Festival cancelled after UK government bans Kanye West from country

The British Home Office said his presence in Britain would not be ‘conducive to the public good’.

Pressure mounts on UK government to ban Kanye West after festival backlash

Promoter defends plan for US rapper to headline London festival as sponsors pull out.

Police arrest 12 as hundreds join banned pro-Palestinian march in London

Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood agreed to ban the march after police said it was organised by a group ‘supportive of the Iranian regime’.

Applications miss target as 670 Hongkongers settle in UK with BN(O) visa

Experts also suggest uncertainties over country’s long-term settlement of migrants could deter future applicants.

‘Strong and united’: UK’s Starmer defiant as Epstein fallout dogs leadership

Senior ministers shore up Keir Starmer’s position as indirect fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal threatens the British prime minister.

UK expands BN(O) scheme to more Hongkongers following Jimmy Lai sentencing

Britain’s Home Office says those under 18 during 1997 handover to China will be eligible to apply for scheme.

UK plans to create a ‘British FBI’ national police force

The new National Police Service will tackle the most complex and serious crimes, the UK government says.

Mobile seizure powers launch in UK crackdown on people smugglers

New UK laws allow officers to seize SIM cards and mobiles to gather intelligence on smuggling operators.

Labour MPs urge UK to protect Hong Kong BN(O) migrants from residency reforms

Lawmakers voice ‘significant concerns’ that tighter residency criteria could undermine efforts to safeguard Hongkongers’ settlement pathway.

Illegal migrants to UK face clothing and mouth searches for phones, SIM cards

The Home Office says the new powers are needed to gather intelligence quickly on criminal gangs suspected of smuggling migrants.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | BN(0) visa holders deserve clarity on the pathway to a new life in the UK

Hong Kong people are precisely the sort of migrants Britain wants. Yet radical immigration reforms place fresh obstacles in their way.

Hong Kong’s BN(O) holders face tougher English test, possible income threshold

UK says it expects ‘vast majority of BN(O)s’ already able to meet revised English requirement, which will be equivalent to British A-level.

Fate of BN(O) scheme for Hongkongers uncertain despite UK’s latest commitment

UK to announce consultations later this week to discuss proposed changes to make asylum seekers wait 20 years, up from five-year requirement.

UK toughens asylum policy as anti-immigration sentiment rises

Policy overhaul seeks greater control over who can remain in Britain as tens of thousands of people claim asylum.

UK says it’s ending ‘golden ticket’ for refugees with asylum overhaul

Those given refugee status will have it for 30 months instead of five years, and must wait 20 years to apply to live in the UK long term.

UK health secretary denies plot to topple Starmer as prime minister

Wes Streeting says he supports Keir Starmer, as opinion polls suggest he is one of the most unpopular prime ministers of all time.

Man charged with 10 counts of attempted murder over UK train stabbing spree

The suspect, identified as Anthony Williams, faces multiple charges but terror is not suspected.

UK police release 1 of 2 men over train stabbing attack, laud ‘heroic’ worker

Eleven people were injured in Saturday’s attack, and a railway staff member who ‘saved lives’ remains in a life-threatening condition.

My Take | BN(0) visa holders deserve clarity on the pathway to a new life in the UK