London, 9 September 2025 – The UK’s new Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has warned that visas could be suspended for countries that refuse to take back their citizens who have no legal right to remain in Britain.
Mahmood issued the warning as she hosted US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, along with ministers from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, at a Five Eyes summit in London.
Declaring border security her “top priority,” Mahmood said: For countries that do not play ball, we are considering coordinated action with our Five Eyes allies – including restrictions on visas – to ensure nations take responsibility for their citizens.”
The statement comes amid record Channel crossings, with more than 30,000 arrivals by small boat this year — a 37% rise on 2024. Mahmood described the figures as “utterly unacceptable” and pledged stronger international cooperation to combat people smuggling.
The Five Eyes talks also addressed wider security challenges, including online child exploitation and the global spread of opioids.
Mahmood, previously Justice Secretary, was appointed Home Secretary in a cabinet reshuffle over the weekend. Her appointment is seen as a signal of the government’s determination to adopt a tougher approach to illegal migration.
