UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is poised to unveil a significant transformation of the nation’s immigration and asylum system later this month, drawing inspiration from Denmark’s stringent policies. The Danish model, renowned as one of Europe’s toughest, has been under close scrutiny by UK officials, who recently visited Copenhagen to study its implementation. Key aspects of Denmark’s system include stricter family reunification rules, temporary refugee stays, and expedited expulsion of individuals without legal residency rights. Mahmood aims to reduce incentives for migration to the UK while streamlining the removal of unauthorized individuals. However, her plans face opposition within her own party, with some Labour MPs criticizing the approach as overly harsh and reminiscent of far-right ideologies. Mahmood’s strategy aligns with her pledge to regain control of Britain’s borders, a promise she reiterated at the Labour conference in September. Denmark’s success in reducing asylum claims to a 40-year low, excluding pandemic-related restrictions in 2020, has particularly impressed her. The Danish system also includes measures such as financial incentives for asylum seekers to return to their home countries and stricter conditions for acquiring permanent residency. While the UK is unlikely to adopt all aspects of the Danish model, Mahmood is expected to introduce more restrictive family reunification rules, including potential language and financial requirements. Denmark’s Immigration and Integration Minister, Rasmus Stoklund, emphasized the importance of protecting societal norms and ensuring that immigrants contribute positively to the country. The UK’s exploration of the Danish model reflects broader political dynamics, with the Labour Party seeking to counter the rise of Reform UK by addressing voter concerns on immigration. Critics, however, caution against directly transplanting Danish policies, citing differences in political and electoral systems. The debate underscores the challenges of balancing progressive ideals with public demand for stricter immigration controls.