Shabana Mahmood is preparing to unveil a significant overhaul of the immigration regulations in the UK, taking inspiration from the policies implemented in Denmark. The Home Secretary reportedly sent officials to Denmark recently to examine its stringent border control and asylum procedures, which are regarded as some of the most rigorous in Europe.
Denmark’s more stringent measures on family reunions and limiting the stay of certain refugees to temporary arrangements are under consideration. These policies have led to a notable decline in asylum applications to the lowest level in four decades, along with a significant increase in the successful removal of 95% of rejected asylum seekers. There is a division among Labour MPs regarding this move, with some endorsing stricter actions to counter Reform UK, while others are concerned it may push voters towards the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats.
Ms. Mahmood aims to deter unauthorized entry into the country while streamlining the process of deporting individuals with no legal basis to remain in the UK. Sources indicate her keenness to meet Denmark’s immigration minister, Rasmus Stoklund, at the earliest opportunity.
Mr. Stoklund has previously likened Danish society to the peaceful and harmonious community of the hobbits in “The Lord of the Rings.” He emphasized the expectation that newcomers should actively engage and contribute positively to society, or else they are not welcome.
In a statement on Saturday morning, Stoke-on-Trent Central Labour MP Gareth Snell expressed support for any changes that bring fairness to an asylum system that lacks trust among his constituents, highlighting the importance of exploring successful immigration management strategies from sister parties worldwide.
However, Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome, a member of the party’s Socialist Campaign Group caucus, cautioned against adopting the Danish model, labeling it as “far-right” policies that a Labour government should avoid associating with.
According to Home Office data released on Saturday, 648 migrants arrived in Britain via the Channel on Friday, bringing the year’s total crossings to 38,223.