Shabana Mahmood

The next Labour government will put that rate back to 50p while we get the deficit down

It cannot be right to cut the top rate of tax

The public rightly expect us to control who and what enter this country. It is one of the most fundamental duties of the state and remains a top priority for me and the government I serve in.

MI5 plays a critical role in keeping our country, and the public, safe. I am deeply grateful for the commitment and dedication of its staff. However, given the significance of its responsibilities, it is imperative that the Service…

The government has already done some work in this area, but I'm sure we will have to go further.

The court has found that Palestine Action has carried out acts of terrorism, celebrated those who have taken part in those acts and promoted the use of violence.

As soon as more information is available that is capable of being shared without compromising any future trial process, that will be done.

We do absolutely have to do more as a Government and as a society to know exactly what the boundaries are between passionate, contested, fierce debate... and then behaviour that spills into threats and harassment.

Our amendment will provide the home secretary with a new power to disapply Section 7 of the Immigration Act 1971 for serious criminals.

On the subject of deporting foreign criminals, the government intends to bring forward an amendment to this bill in response to the widely-reported case of the vile grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed.

It is also vital that the police are given the space they need to carry out their work.

The police have cautioned against speculating about the case. That is the right thing to do for Ann’s family and friends.

I know this is deeply concerning news for British Muslims. We must stand against hatred and we must unite around our shared belief in a country that is open, generous and tolerant to all our communities.

Today is a dark day in our political life, but we must also use it as an opportunity to celebrate Ann Widdecombe's memory. She was a unique figure in our politics, a distinctive and devoted public servant, the likes of whom we will rarely…

I know the thoughts of everyone here are with the victims and survivors of this vile criminal.

It is important to note this does not guarantee his removal from this country.

The government intends to bring forward an amendment to this bill in response to the widely reported case of the vile grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed.

This approach means those in need of protection arrive with the consent of communities and with the financial support of their sponsor, and not the taxpayer.

Instead, a fair asylum system must be grounded in controlled, safe and legal asylum.

There is nothing fair about a system that is based upon uncontrolled, unsafe and illegal routes into this country.

To do so, I believe we must restore fairness to our asylum system, fairness both to those who are fleeing war and persecution, and also fairness towards those communities already here who bear the burden of supporting them.

My goal as Home Secretary is to rebuild the public's confidence and thereby ensure we can continue providing protection to those in need today and for generations to come.

The 1971 Act provided protections for long-term UK residents but should not be used as a bar against removal in cases like that of Shabir Ahmed.

My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.

The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. I will be updating the House further this afternoon.