Over 1,200 migrants have crossed the English Channel in just three days as the UK Government explores adopting a Danish-style immigration model to tighten border controls.
According to the latest Home Office figures, 621 people arrived in nine boats on Thursday, followed by another 648 on Friday. Additional crossings were reported on Saturday, though the official figures have yet to be confirmed. This brings the total number of Channel arrivals in 2025 to 38,223 – already surpassing the entire figure for 2024 and likely to exceed 40,000 by year’s end.
The surge in crossings coincides with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood sending officials to Denmark last month to examine its border and asylum systems, which are considered among the toughest in Europe. Danish policies under review include stricter family reunion rules and limiting certain refugees to temporary residence.
According to reports by the BBC, Mahmood is expected to unveil major changes to the UK’s asylum system later this month.
However, Labour MPs remain divided over the move. Representatives from so-called Red Wall constituencies – many facing pressure from Reform UK – are pushing for stronger deterrents, while others fear that adopting Danish-style measures could alienate progressive voters.
The government’s “one in, one out” migrant agreement with France has also faced setbacks after revelations that at least one deported migrant had managed to return to the UK. The Iranian national, who has not been named, claimed to be a victim of human trafficking after crossing the Channel for a second time.
Mahmood has said she wants to implement firm deterrents against illegal crossings while ensuring quicker removal of individuals without the right to remain in Britain.
Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that any reform bringing “fairness” to an asylum system his constituents “don’t trust” is “worth exploring”. He added that it was “worth looking at what best practice we can find from our sister parties around the world”.
But Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome, part of Labour’s Socialist Campaign Group, warned against following Denmark’s lead, saying: “I think these are policies of the far-right. I don’t think anyone wants to see a Labour government flirting with them.”
