UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood faces pressure from Labour MPs to soften Danish-style immigration plans amid backlash over “hardcore” policies.
As reported by The Telegraph, Labour MPs have called on Shabana Mahmood to reconsider her plans for Denmark-inspired reforms to Britain’s immigration and asylum process.
The Home Secretary is set to announce stricter migration policies, modeled on Denmark, widely regarded as one of Europe’s toughest.
She sent officials to Denmark to examine their immigration system and is reportedly considering tougher family reunion rules and restricting certain refugees to short-term residence in the UK.
What did Labour MPs say about Shabana Mahmood’s Danish-style migration plans?
Left-wing Labour MPs slammed the proposals as “hardcore” and “far-Right,” urging Shabana Mahmood to soften her approach.
Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East, called the policies “racist”.
She said,
“I think this is a dead end – morally, politically and electorally. I think these are policies of the far-Right. I don’t think anyone wants to see a Labour Government flirting with them.”
She described the plan as a “dangerous path” and said some Danish policies, particularly on “parallel societies,” were “undeniably racist.”
Clive Lewis, the MP for Norwich South, stated,
“Denmark’s Social Democrats have gone down what I would call a hardcore approach to immigration.”
He added,
“They’ve adopted many of the talking points of what we would call the far-Right. Labour does need to win back some Reform-leaning voters but you can’t do that at the cost of losing progressive votes.”
MPs from Red Wall areas are more receptive to the Home Secretary’s plans, with Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell saying Denmark-inspired policies could be “worth exploring.”
Labour’s split became apparent after Lucy Powell, following her deputy leadership win, called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to ease his hardline stance on immigration.
Ms Powell said at that time,
“Division and hate are on the rise. Discontent and disillusionment are widespread. The desire for change is impatient and palpable.”
She added,
“We as the Labour Party, as the party of Government, have to step forward and take this on. We have this one big chance to show that progressive mainstream politics really can change people’s lives for the better.”
What Church leaders are warning about the misrepresentation of migrants?
Senior Christian leaders spoke out against opposition to migration, warning that some narratives were being framed as part of a Christian nationalist agenda.
Dr Rowan Williams, ex-archbishop of Canterbury, said,
“It is more than time to challenge the story that every migrant approaching our shores is an unfriendly alien with unintelligible and hostile values.”
He stated,
“It is essential for us to see, not enemy invaders, but vulnerable people like us, committed to finding safety for themselves and those they love.”
Mr Williams added,
“It is the height of injustice to hold communities responsible for the crimes of individuals and to market lazy, hurtful stereotypes.”
The Right Rev Dr Rosemary Mallet, Bishop of Southwark, stated,
“Migration is not simply a policy issue for the Government but a test of our shared humanity.”
He added,
“As Christians, our gospel calls us to love our neighbours, and to see the face of God in each other.”
A Christian group, including clergy members, took part in a prayer walk in London on Friday, 7 November, visiting sites honoring the achievements of migrants.
The Christian group displayed a large cross of red poppies and roses at a white memorial, forming the image of the St George’s flag.
Why are ministers facing backlash over migration setbacks?
Ministers are facing pressure over migration after a string of recent failures in handling illegal migrants.
An Iranian migrant deported to France in September under the ‘one in, one out’ scheme returned to the UK by small boat and was deported again this week.
Shabana Mahmood said,
“Anyone looking to return to the UK after being removed under the UK-France agreement is wasting their time and money.”
She added,
“This individual was detected by biometrics and detained instantly. His case was expedited, and now he has been removed again.”
Ms Mahmood continued,
“My message is clear: if you try to return to the UK you will be sent back. I will do whatever it takes to scale up removals of illegal migrants and secure our borders.”
Last month, Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national staying in an asylum hotel, was mistakenly released from prison, having been jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and scheduled for deportation.
What are Denmark’s immigration rules?
Denmark’s 2025 immigration rules require spouses to pass a Danish language test or show five years of full-time work using Danish. The financial guarantee for family reunification has been cut significantly.
Students from third countries in non-approved programs no longer get automatic work permits or family reunification. The new rules, from May 2, 2025, target real student commitment.
The Danish government plans to simplify work permits for 16 non-EU nationals. Lower salaries and easier processes are part of the 2025 plan. The goal is to fill labor gaps and draw skilled workers.
