Shabana Mahmood is preparing to unveil a significant overhaul of the immigration regulations in the UK, inspired by Denmark’s policies. The Home Secretary sent officials to Denmark last month to study their stringent border controls and asylum strategies, considered some of the most rigorous in Europe.
Denmark’s measures, such as stricter family reunion rules and temporary stays for certain refugees, are under scrutiny. These policies have led to a notable decrease in asylum applications, the lowest in four decades, and a 95% success rate in removing rejected asylum seekers. There is division among Labour MPs regarding the proposed changes, with some backing tougher actions to counter Reform UK, while others fear losing support to the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats.
Mahmood aims to deter unauthorized entry into the UK while streamlining the process of deporting individuals with no legal basis to remain. She is eager to meet Denmark’s immigration minister, Rasmus Stoklund, to discuss further collaboration on these matters.
Stoklund has likened Danish society to the peaceful and inclusive nature of hobbits in “The Lord of the Rings,” emphasizing the expectation for newcomers to engage positively in the community. The potential reforms have sparked varying opinions within the Labour Party, with Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell expressing openness to exploring changes that enhance fairness in the asylum system.
Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome, however, cautioned against adopting the Danish model, labeling it as aligned with far-right ideologies. She emphasized the importance of distancing the Labour Party from such policies.
Recent Home Office data revealed that 648 migrants arrived in Britain via nine boats on Friday, bringing the total for the year to 38,223 crossings. The ongoing discussions and evaluations of international immigration practices aim to find effective solutions for managing immigration challenges globally.