However, not all Labour members are reportedly supportive of this route, with one left-wing Labour MP describing it as too “hardcore” and reminiscent of the far right.
She is impressed that Denmark has driven down the number of successful asylum claims to a 40-year low – with the exception of 2020, amid pandemic travel restrictions.
It is believed Ms Mahmood dispatched senior Home Office officials to Copenhagen last month to consider what measures could be implemented, as well as visiting herself.
Rasmus Stoklund, Denmark’s minister for Immigration and Integration, is a member of Labour’s sister party the Social Democrats. He said they have “tightened our laws in many ways” and have made it “quite difficult” to ensure family reunification in Denmark.
“You will get expelled a lot easier if you commit crimes. And we have made different programmes to help people go back home voluntarily,” he said.
Currently, there is no indication the UK would follow the Danes in offering substantial sums – as much as the equivalent of £24,000 – for asylum seekers to return their country of origin.
