The Labor government, under , is hardening its stance on immigration, against the backdrop of the explosive rise of the populist Reform UK, which has imposed the agenda on the public debate. Illegal small boat crossings across the English Channel have become a top political issue — to the point that, according to polls, immigration now surpasses the economy in voters’ concerns.
The Home Office has announced that the protection granted to refugees will now be temporary and will be reviewed every two and a half years, with the possibility of withdrawal if the country of origin is deemed safe. The total time until permanent settlement increases from 5 to 20 years.
At the same time, Shabana Mahmoud plans to remove the statutory housing and financial support obligation for certain categories of asylum seekers — those who can work but do not and those who have broken the law. “Taxpayers will support those who contribute to our economy and communities,” the ministry says.
The minister said on Monday she would also give details of how the government intends to amend the interpretation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which deals with the right to family life — a provision she says is being misused to prevent deportations.
The inspiration from Denmark and the reactions
London is adopting a strategy similar to that of Denmark, which has one of the strictest asylum systems in Europe. Temporary residence permits, frequent reviews, withdrawal of status when the country of origin is deemed safe and strict conditions for integration — a framework that Copenhagen claims has reduced asylum applications to a 40-year low.
International organizations, however, characterize the “Danish model” as deeply problematic. Humanitarian organizations in Britain accuse the government of creating a “prolonged hostage” for those entitled to protection and fostering a climate of hostility.
More than 100 NGOs have written to Mahmoud, calling for an end to the “targeting of migrants” and “enforcement policies that only cause harm”. The Refugee Council reminded that “no refugee compares asylum systems in the midst of a threat — they choose countries where they have family ties, language skills or social networks that help them get started safely.”
Concern for the cohesion of society
The new policies come at a time of intense social tension: protests outside hotels hosting asylum seekers, an increase in xenophobic incidents and an unabated immigration pressure. Asylum applications in the UK reached 109,343 by March 2025, up 17% on the previous year.
The government insists that beyond the strict framework, it will open more “safe and legal” roads for those fleeing real danger. But the balance between cruelty and humanitarian obligation remains precarious — and the conflict over the new reforms is expected to intensify in the coming days.
