UK could copy Denmark's strict immigration system

The home secretary is preparing to announce a major shakeup of the immigration system that would be modelled on Denmark - which has one of the toughest systems in Europe.

- MILLIE COOKE

Officials are thought to be looking at Denmark’s tighter rules on family reunion, as well as considering restricting most asylum seekers to a temporary stay in the country.

A delegation of senior officials was sent to Copenhagen last month to learn about their interventions and draw lessons that could be applied to the UK.

The plan to copy Denmark comes as the government ramps up its efforts to bring down migration amid growing public anger over the issue.

Sources told the BBC that the decision to look at the Danish system comes as part of an attempt to slash the “pull factors” that draw people to the UK, as well as making it easier to remove those with no right to stay.

Labour MPs are split on the move, with some in so-called red wall seats - seen as vulnerable to challenge from Reform UK - wanting ministers to go further in the Danish direction, while others believe the policies will estrange progressive voters and push the party too far to the right.

Left-wing Labour MP Nadia Whittome, who is a member of the party’s Socialist Campaign Group caucus, urged against emulating the Danish model, suggesting it was “far right”.