is set to model parts of her new measures on the Danish system, which is regarded as one of the strictest in Europe. It is understood that officials have been studying Denmark’s tighter rules on family reunification and its policy of granting most refugees only temporary residence.

Mahmood aims to reduce the incentives that attract people to the UK, while making it easier to remove those who have no legal right to remain. However, some within her own party oppose following the Danish example, with one left-wing Labour MP describing it as too “hardcore” and reminiscent of far-right policies.

At the Labour conference in September, Mahmood pledged to “do whatever it takes” to regain control of Britain’s borders. She is reportedly impressed that Denmark has reduced the number of successful asylum claims to a forty-year low—except in 2020, when pandemic travel restrictions were in place. The BBC has learned that she sent senior Home Office officials to Copenhagen last month to examine what lessons could be applied to the UK.

In Denmark, refugees who are personally persecuted by a foreign regime are still likely to be granted protection. However, most people who have received asylum after fleeing conflict are now only permitted to stay in the country temporarily. Once the Danish government deems their home country safe, they may be returned. For those who have lived in Denmark for a longer period, the time required to obtain permanent residency has been extended, and new conditions—such as being in full-time employment—have been introduced. (BBC)