Key Highlights
- The UK is exploring Danish migration models to address illegal immigration.
- New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been studying Denmark’s policies.
- Mette Frederiksen’s “zero refugees” policy in Denmark has led to a 40-year low in successful asylum claims.
- UK MPs, especially Red Wall members, are advocating for stricter migration rules.
The Danish Model and UK Migration Policies
The United Kingdom is currently exploring the Danish model of migration as part of its strategy to manage illegal immigration. The move comes amid growing public concern over small boat crossings and asylum hotels, issues that have significantly affected the government’s approval ratings.
Denmark, a country known for its idealistic reputation in global politics, has developed some of the toughest illegal migration policies in Europe despite being led by a center-left politician. The Danish approach includes strict residency revocation once a country is deemed safe and stringent family reunification rules. These measures have contributed to a 40-year low in successful asylum claims, with 95% of failed applicants deported.
UK’s Approach: Learning from Denmark
New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been examining Denmark’s policies closely since her appointment two months ago. There is particular interest in their tight restrictions on family reunification and the use of temporary visas for successful asylum seekers, which become invalid if their home countries are considered safe to return to.
Home Office officials recently traveled to Copenhagen to learn from Danish counterparts ahead of a major shake-up of the UK’s asylum system later this month. The reforms aim to emulate Denmark’s tough stance and address the rising number of illegal migrants entering the country through small boats.
Political Divide on Migration Policies
The push for stricter migration policies has created divisions within the Labour Party, with many left-wing MPs expressing alarm over adopting a more draconian approach. Critics, such as Nadia Whittome and Clive Lewis, have described the proposals as “hardcore,” “dangerous,” and “racist.”
However, some Red Wall MPs, like Jo White from Bassetlaw, are enthusiastically supporting these changes, viewing them as necessary to address the issue. Ms. White argues that Denmark’s policies are seen as one of the toughest in Europe for dealing with asylum claims, making it a model worth following.
Challenges and Controversies
The Danish approach faces criticism from experts and asylum charities who argue it may not translate to the UK context. For instance, Steve Smith of Care for Calais stated that deterrence measures are unlikely to work because refugees are fleeing desperate situations. Additionally, the focus on radical solutions could lead to unintended consequences.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has vowed to “do whatever it takes” to address the issue, indicating her willingness to explore increasingly radical measures if they prove necessary.
The government’s success in reducing migration numbers is crucial for neutralizing key attacks from Reform UK and the Conservatives, who are closely aligned with her robust approach.
While the Danish model offers a potential solution, its implementation in the UK remains uncertain due to various challenges and public concerns. As the Home Secretary continues to examine these policies, the political landscape will likely remain tense as both supporters and critics await further developments.
