Members of the audience at Question Time showed their support for economist Faiza Shaheen as she challenged GB News host Matt Goodwin on the topic of immigration. Goodwin had made controversial statements about asylum seekers breaking laws, but Shaheen quickly countered, emphasizing that migrants share the same aspirations as everyone else.
Shaheen’s impassioned defense received applause from the audience, and her remarks criticizing Goodwin’s stance were widely circulated on social media. She highlighted the fact that many migrant families simply seek better opportunities, echoing the sentiment that understanding the root causes of conflicts in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan is crucial.
The exchange took place during the latest episode of Question Time, where the focus was on the relocation of asylum seekers to military sites in Scotland and Sussex. Shaheen expressed support for providing a safe haven for those fleeing difficult circumstances, debunking the notion that all asylum seekers pose a threat.
The decision to house around 900 men in military facilities marks a shift away from utilizing expensive hotel accommodations, a move that has drawn criticism for its inefficiency. Goodwin, known for his strong views on immigration, opposed the government’s approach, claiming that taxpayers are bearing the burden of accommodating law-breakers.
Before Shaheen challenged Goodwin, a member of the audience highlighted the need for a more balanced discussion on public services, such as healthcare, for British citizens. This call for prioritizing domestic needs resonated with previous sentiments expressed on the show, emphasizing the importance of addressing pertinent issues beyond immigration debates.
