Dark forces are stirring up anger in the UK. My asylum reforms are our chance to stop them | Shabana Mahmood

<p>I know some of these measures will face opposition. But a country without secure borders is less safe for those who look like me</p><ul><li><p>Shabana Mahmood is the home secretary</p></li></ul><p>I know this country is an open, tolerant and generous place. And I am proud of the fact that we have always offered sanctuary to those fleeing peril.</p><p>This is, after all, the country that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/14/ukraine-refugee-scheme-uk-homes">gave refuge to Ukrainians</a> after the Russian invasion and Afghans after the evacuation of Kabul, and honoured our historic commitments to the people of Hong Kong.</p><p>Shabana Mahmood is the home secretary</p><p><em><strong>Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tone/letters"> letters</a> section, please <a href="mailto:guardian.letters@theguardian.com?body=Please%20include%20your%20name,%20full%20postal%20address%20and%20phone%20number%20with%20your%20letter%20below.%20Letters%20are%20usually%20published%20with%20the%20author%27s%20name%20and%20city/town/village.%20The%20rest%20of%20the%20information%20is%20for%20verification%20only%20and%20to%20contact%20you%20where%20necessary.">click here</a>.</strong></em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/16/uk-asylum-reform-secure-borders-shabana-mahmood">Continue reading...</a>