Following her party's disappointing performance in the Gorton and Denton byelection, Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has pledged to continue with stringent immigration policies. This decision comes amid criticisms and calls for a change from left-leaning Labour MPs and union leaders who are urging a more compassionate approach toward migrants and refugees. Senior Labour figures maintain that Mahmood's stance will not alienate Muslim voters, countering claims that the party's approach may be detrimental to their support among these communities.

Unison's general secretary, Andrea Egan, voiced concerns after Labour's placement in the byelection, suggesting that the party must defend the rights of migrants and refugees rather than adopt a hardline stance. She represents a faction within the party advocating for a more progressive approach to immigration and asylum issues. Similarly, Diane Abbott, an independent MP, echoed this sentiment, urging Labour to reorient its policies towards a more inclusive framework in light of recent electoral feedback.

Despite the criticism, the Labour party remains firm in its belief that Mahmood's current policies are not at fault for their electoral challenges. A party insider asserted that any notion of losing Muslim voters due to immigration policies is misguided. This reflects ongoing tensions within the Labour party regarding its immigration strategy, with some members advocating for a significant policy shift while others defend the current approach as necessary for electoral viability.