Britain is turning its gaze towards Denmark, seeking solutions to a growing challenge: the influx of asylum seekers. The political landscape is shifting, and a potential model for change is emerging from across the North Sea.
Sir Keir Starmer has forged a strong relationship with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, united by their shared support for Ukraine. However, it’s Frederiksen’s domestic success – dramatically reducing successful asylum claims to a 40-year low – that now holds particular interest for the Labour leader.
Recent polls reveal a concerning trend for Labour, trailing behind other parties by a significant margin. This pressure fuels the search for effective policies to address public concerns about immigration and border control.
Denmark, under Frederiksen’s leadership, has implemented a series of stringent migration policies, resulting in a remarkable 95% rejection rate for asylum applicants. The Home Office is now meticulously studying these measures, hoping to adapt them for the UK.
One key aspect of the Danish approach involves strict limitations on family reunification. To sponsor a spouse, both individuals must be at least 24 years old, a rule designed to combat forced marriages. Further requirements include passing a language test, demonstrating three years without claiming benefits, and providing a financial guarantee.
Denmark previously explored an agreement similar to the UK’s Rwanda plan, but those plans have been paused. Years earlier, the country enacted controversial legislation aimed at reshaping areas with high concentrations of non-western migrants, a move that sparked considerable debate.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is reportedly eager to meet with her Danish counterpart to delve deeper into the specifics of these policies. The goal is to identify strategies that could deter unauthorized entry into the UK.
However, Mahmood may encounter resistance within her own party. Some moderates have voiced strong criticism of the Danish approach, labeling it “hardcore,” “dangerous,” and even bordering on discriminatory.
Adapting the Danish model to the UK presents unique obstacles. The UK’s large population seeking family reunification and the prevalence of English speakers create complexities not present in Denmark.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by recent figures: over 500 migrants crossed the English Channel in a single day, bringing the total for the year to over 38,000. The search for solutions is intensifying as the number of crossings continues to rise.
