'The language used by the Home Secretary was divisive and lacking compassion': Stourbridge MP blasts Shabana Mahmood
A Labour MP has accused the Home Secretary of using 'deeply divisive' language over her plans for immigration.
Cat Eccles, MP for Stourbridge, also accused Shabana Mahmood of lacking compassion for people fleeing persecution.
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Miss Eccles said the Government was right to be seeking to bring migration under control and end the spending on hotel accommodation, but said Miss Mahmood's approach was wrong.
She was responding after being criticised by former Labour MP for neighbouring Dudley North, Ian Austin.
"The Government absolutely must get a grip on immigration and know who is trying to enter our country," she said.
"And it is imperative to expedite deportation of foreign national criminals.
"The best way to do this is by opening safe legal routes and the ability to apply for asylum before reaching these shores."
Miss Eccles had previously voiced concerns that the Government may be seeking changes to the European Convention on Human Rights. She also accused the Home Secretary of 'pandering to voters', leading to criticism from Lord Austin.
But Miss Eccles maintained her position, saying that more care needed to be taken when talking about a sensitive issue.
"The rhetoric and language used by the Home Secretary this week was deeply divisive and lacking compassion at a time when our communities are already facing cohesion issues.
"We all want to see an end to dangerous small-boat crossings and stop the spending on hotel accommodation.
"But we must all be responsible, measured and factual when talking about these issues and not spark hatred and division further."
