Fans of ITV's Loose Women have heaped praise on the show's panellists after they challenged Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood during a live interview on Tuesday, June 9. The Labour cabinet minister appeared on the programme, hosted by Ruth Langsford alongside Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter, and Jane Moore, to discuss key government policies.
Immigration and Asylum Hotels Under Scrutiny
During the segment, Jane Moore pressed Mahmood on the use of asylum hotels. The Home Secretary acknowledged that the previous government's reliance on hotels was a "terrible move," adding that hotel use has decreased and will continue to fall. However, Jane interjected, noting that Labour has been in power for two years, and questioned the pace of change. Mahmood reiterated her commitment to ending the use of all asylum hotels before the end of this Parliament, with hopes to accelerate the process.
Small Boats Challenge
Jane then turned to the issue of small boat crossings in the English Channel, recalling Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's promise to stop the boats. She highlighted that the UK pays millions to France for a deal, yet intercepted migrants are brought to the UK rather than returned to France as a deterrent. Jane asked directly what was preventing such a policy, suggesting Mahmood likely wanted to implement it. The Home Secretary responded that she is determined to tackle the crisis and will do whatever it takes, but noted the complexity of determining where in the water migrants are picked up.
Elsewhere in the interview, Mahmood discussed policing and dismissed speculation about her ambitions to become Prime Minister.
Viewer Reactions
ITV viewers took to social media to applaud the panel, particularly Jane Moore, for their tough questioning. One user wrote on X: "Well said Jane Moore @loosewomen #immigration @ShabanaMahmood." Another commented: "At least this panel have somewhat challenged her." A third viewer noted: "@ShabanaMahmood, you looked more stressed being interviewed by @loosewomen panel than when I see you on other news channels. They are just as good interviewers as political correspondents." Others echoed the sentiment, with one saying: "Fair play to Jane."
Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 12:30 pm.
