The News Meeting Why is Shabana Mahmood inspired by Denmark’s asylum policies?
Nov 17, 2025
Join Cat Neilan, Whitehall editor at The Observer, Bex Sander, data-savvy reporter, and Serena Cesareo, policy analyst, as they dive into pressing headlines. They discuss Shabana Mahmood's tough asylum reforms and debate whether Denmark's approach could work in the UK. Topics include the influence of smugglers and social media on migration patterns, and if the reforms are politically motivated. Additionally, they tackle the implications of releasing the Epstein files in the GOP and UK ties to Bangladesh's political turmoil.
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Denmark Model Inspires UK Reforms
- The UK government's asylum reforms are modelled closely on Denmark's restrictive approach introduced in 2021.
- Serena Cesareo warns the UK is not Denmark and different social ties and language reduce direct policy transferability.
Policy Changes Rarely Deter Migrant Choices
- Policy changes like temporary status or reviews may reduce asylum claims in some countries but rarely deter migrants' destination choices.
- Serena notes asylum decisions are driven mainly by family ties, language and major conflicts, not short-term policy signals.
Political Consensus Shapes Policy Success
- Denmark's success partly depends on a longstanding cross-party consensus on restricting refugees.
- Serena argues the UK lacks that political continuity, weakening policy durability and effectiveness.