Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has denied that her plans to clamp down on illegal immigration are "racist" - instead describing them as a "moral mission". Shabana Mahmood said illegal immigration was causing "huge divides" in the UK, and added: "I do believe we need to act if we are to retain public consent for having an asylum system at all." Politics latest: Mahmood dismisses 'tittle-tattle' over leadership rumours Speaking on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips , Ms Mahmood said the