Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to announce major reforms to the UK’s immigration system next week, drawing on the Danish approach to deter migrants and ease deportations. In a statement to MPs on Monday, she will outline plans aimed at making the UK less attractive for those who travel illegally, including changes to human rights legislation.
The proposals, described by Home Office officials as “the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times”, would require judges to prioritise public safety over migrants’ right to family life or the risk of “inhuman” treatment upon return. The reforms follow a fact-finding mission to Denmark last month to study its border control and asylum policies.
Since Labour came to power, 48,560 people have been removed or deported, a 23% increase compared with the 16 months before the last election. The total includes refused asylum seekers, foreign criminals and others with no legal right to remain. Mahmood said: “Nearly 50,000 illegal migrants have been removed or deported since the election. We’ve ramped up enforcement, deported foreign criminals from our streets, and saved taxpayers millions.”
Despite these efforts, small boat crossings remain a political challenge. So far this year, 39,075 people have made the journey, according to PA news agency analysis of Home Office figures. The Home Office also confirmed that a second man had re-entered the UK by small boat after being deported to France under the “one in, one out” returns deal, but said he would be sent back shortly, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness.
