Members of the Question Time audience in Bradford, West Yorkshire, showed their support by applauding as economist Faiza Shaheen challenged GB News host Matt Goodwin on the topic of immigration. Goodwin, known for his right-wing views, had asserted that asylum seekers often break laws, but Shaheen quickly countered, emphasizing that migrants share the same desires as the local population.
Shaheen’s impassioned defense received multiple rounds of applause from the audience and garnered significant attention on social media. She emphasized that immigrant families seek the same opportunities for their children as British families, highlighting the common aspirations shared by all.
The discussion unfolded during the latest episode of Question Time, where the topic of asylum seekers was central. The Home Office had recently announced plans to relocate hundreds of asylum seekers to military sites in Scotland and Sussex, aiming to phase out the use of hotels for such accommodations.
In support of welcoming asylum seekers, Shaheen rejected the notion of fearing all migrants, emphasizing that many are ordinary individuals seeking refuge from dire circumstances to build better lives for their families. The decision to house around 900 men at military sites comes as a shift from previous practices that were deemed wasteful.
However, Goodwin, who has previously labeled immigration to the UK as an “invasion,” opposed the government’s approach. He criticized the expenditure of taxpayer funds to accommodate individuals he claimed were often violating laws, pointing out what he perceived as a departure from fairness in the country’s policies.
Before Shaheen’s rebuttal, a member of the audience challenged Goodwin, suggesting that public discourse should focus more on improving services for British citizens, such as access to healthcare appointments. This sentiment echoed previous sentiments expressed on Question Time, reflecting ongoing concerns about resource allocation and public services in various regions across the UK.