Sky News Daily Is the Danish immigration model right for the UK?
Nov 17, 2025
Michelle Pace, a Professor of Global Studies at Roskilde University and author of "Unwelcome to Denmark," joins to dissect the Danish immigration model. She discusses how Denmark's radical changes to asylum policies have stirred moral and legal dilemmas. Asylum claims have dropped, but at what cost? The conversation touches on controversial laws like the jewellery regulation and public sentiment towards immigration. Michelle highlights how second-generation immigrants feel excluded, and addresses the economic and welfare concerns raised by voters. Is Denmark's tough approach a viable path for the UK?
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Episode notes
Rhetoric Plus Law Reduced Asylum Numbers
- Denmark combined harsh rhetoric with tougher laws to reduce asylum applications.
- Michelle Pace says legal changes plus messaging normalised deterrence and cut numbers.
Syrian Children Facing Repeated Reviews
- Pace interviewed Syrians who arrived as unaccompanied children and later faced recurring asylum reviews.
- She warns returning certain critics to Syria could mean disappearance or death.
Four Core Elements Of Denmark's Model
- Key Danish measures include cutting benefits, advertising deterring migrants, temporary protection and the 'jewellery law'.
- Pace notes some measures are rhetorical while others (temporary status) create long-term uncertainty.
