The UK government is studying Denmark’s hardline immigration policies as it prepares for a major overhaul of the asylum system, in a move that has exposed divisions within the Labour Party.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood sent senior officials to Copenhagen last month to examine Denmark’s border control and asylum rules, which are among the toughest in Europe.
The review focused on Denmark’s restrictions on family reunions and its approach to granting refugees only temporary residence. These measures are credited by Danish authorities with sharply reducing irregular migration over the past decade.
Ms Mahmood is expected to unveil a new UK immigration plan later this month, designed to tighten enforcement, speed up removals, and deter people from entering Britain via unauthorised routes such as small boat crossings across the English Channel.
Divisions within Labour over hardline approach
The move has sparked internal debate among Labour MPs, with members representing “Red Wall” constituencies pressing ministers to adopt firmer measures to counter the rise of Reform UK.
But others have warned that following Denmark’s example could alienate progressive voters and risk pushing Labour too far to the right.
Gareth Snell, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, said any effort to restore “fairness” to a system that many voters “don’t trust” should be explored.
However, Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East and a member of Labour’s Socialist Campaign Group, dismissed the proposals as “policies of the far right”.
“I don’t think anyone wants to see a Labour government flirting with them,” she told the BBC’s Today programme.
Rising Channel crossings add pressure
The government faces continued pressure to curb the growing number of people attempting to reach the UK by small boats.
According to Home Office figures, 648 people crossed the Channel in nine boats on Friday, bringing this year’s total to 38,223 – an increase on the same period last year.
The surge comes despite the UK’s returns deal with France, under which migrants found to have no legal right to remain can be deported. One individual recently made headlines after being returned from France only to re-enter the UK days later.
Ms Mahmood is said to be determined to introduce stronger deterrents and streamline the process for removing individuals who fail asylum claims. She is also seeking to meet Denmark’s immigration minister, Rasmus Stoklund, “at the earliest opportunity”, according to sources.
Denmark’s model under scrutiny
Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Rasmus Stoklund defended his country’s strict policies, comparing Danish society to the peaceful, insular world of “the hobbits in The Lord of the Rings.”
“We are a small country. We live quietly with each other,” he said. “We expect people who come here to contribute positively – if they don’t, they aren’t welcome.”
His remarks underline Denmark’s stance that newcomers must integrate fully into society or risk losing residency.
Context and next steps
The UK’s immigration system overhaul is expected to form part of Labour’s broader effort to rebuild public confidence in border management and tackle the perception that illegal migration is out of control.
However, balancing political pressure from both sides of the party could prove difficult as Labour seeks to combine tough enforcement with humane reform.
