Members of the Question Time audience in Bradford, West Yorkshire, showed their support for economist Faiza Shaheen as she challenged GB News host Matt Goodwin’s views on immigration. Goodwin had claimed that asylum seekers often break laws, but Shaheen countered by emphasizing that most migrants seek the same opportunities as everyone else.

Shaheen’s impassioned defense received applause from the audience and gained traction on social media. She highlighted that families fleeing countries like Iraq and Afghanistan desire a better future for their children and stressed the need for compassion towards asylum seekers facing difficult circumstances.

The discussion unfolded during Thursday’s episode, which touched on the topic of asylum seekers being relocated to military sites in Scotland and Sussex. Shaheen advocated for understanding and support for those seeking refuge, countering the negative rhetoric surrounding immigration.

The move to house asylum seekers in military sites marked a shift away from costly hotel accommodations, a change that was met with mixed reactions. While Shaheen called for empathy and inclusivity, Goodwin criticized the government’s handling of immigration, accusing officials of incentivizing illegal entry into the country.

Before Shaheen’s rebuttal, a member of the audience challenged Goodwin’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of focusing on public services for British citizens. This echoed previous discussions on the series about the allocation of resources and services in the country.

The exchange on Question Time highlighted contrasting opinions on immigration policies and the treatment of asylum seekers, sparking a broader conversation on societal attitudes and government actions towards those seeking refuge.