The Daily T Labour's desperate asylum crackdown
Nov 17, 2025
Shabana Mahmood’s bold asylum crackdown draws inspiration from Denmark, featuring lengthy waits for refugee applications. Camilla and Tim discuss the controversial measures, including forcing asylum seekers to sell their assets. They question whether these tactics will truly deter illegal crossings. The conversation also tackles Britain's unique cultural context compared to Denmark and the potential legal challenges from the ECHR. Amidst internal Labour opposition, the hosts ponder the political risks and how this could reshape party dynamics.
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Labour Copies Danish Toughness
- Shabana Mahmood adopts Danish-style immigration measures to reclaim ground from Reform and signal seriousness on borders.
- Denmark's shift shows social democratic parties can harden immigration policy to protect welfare and social cohesion.
Believe The Message To Make It Work
- If you implement a crackdown, communicate conviction and consistency to make it credible to voters.
- Build public belief in necessity because people detect half-hearted signals, says the Danish minister.
Denmark Policy Won't Fit Britain
- Britain cannot transplant Denmark's full model because of language, culture, and colonial migration history.
- Policies like enforced dispersal and cultural assimilation fit Denmark but clash with Britain's liberal, post-imperial reality.