UK to announce ‘most significant’ change to asylum rules in years, setting Europe’s longest route to settlement

Britain has announced plans to carry out the most significant reform of its asylum seeker policies in years, overhauling immigration rules in response to surging anti-immigrant sentiment and challenges from right-wing parties, the CNN reported yesterday (16).

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The new policy, which will be unveiled by the ruling Labour government in full on Monday, is partially modelled on Denmark’s approach, which has one of Europe’s toughest rules for refugees.

Labour has been hardening its immigration policies, particularly on illegal small-boat crossings from France, to counter the rising populist Reform UK party which advocates for “freezing immigration” and “stopping the boats.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce an end to permanent protection for refugees and cuts to living allowances among a series of reforms designed to make Britain less attractive to illegal migrants.

"On Monday, I will announce the most significant changes to our asylum system in modern times,” Mahmood said in a video posted on X.