The government is facing growing criticism from backbench MPs as the home secretary unveils sweeping plans to overhaul the UK’s asylum system.
A number of Labour MPs have expressed their opposition to the planned reforms, which will see the government overhaul human rights laws in a bid to ramp up deportations.
Kent MP and former immigration lawyer Tony Vaughan has said ministers’ rhetoric “encourages the same culture of divisiveness that sees racism and abuse growing in our communities”.
Other backbenchers backed Mr Vaughan’s comments, with one saying the government’s policy was “incoherent” and another warning “performative cruelty” would undermine efforts to solve problems in the immigration system.
Mahmood has outlined a raft of radical measures, including how the government will attempt to change the way the European Convention on Human Rights is interpreted by UK judges in a bid to stop asylum seekers using their rights to a family life to avoid deportation.
She is set to rewrite how Britain grants refuge to those fleeing conflict and upheaval with a statement in the Commons on Monday afternoon.
Read MoreLabour to announce largest UK immigration overhaul in a generation
Asylum seekers to lose housing and benefit rights under Labour immigration system overhaul
Home secretary condemns ‘mortifying’ Labour leadership row as Rayner allies forced to deny new plot
What is Shabana Mahmood’s plan to tackle asylum claims?
Key points
- 'Performative cruelty': Growing criticism from Labour MPs on asylum reforms
- Shabana Mahmood to introduce Trump-style visa ban on three countries
- Asylum seekers to have assets seized to pay for accommodation
- Home secretary's plans outlined
- Analysis: Shabana Mahmood takes centre stage in midst of Labour turmoil
Jewellery and valuables belonging to refugees could be confiscated to pay for accommodation
11:15 , Athena StavrouJewellery and valuables belonging to refugees could be confiscated in order to pay for accommodation and other costs as part of sweeping reforms to the asylum system, a Home Office minister has said.
Alex Norris said it is “right that if people have money in the bank, if people have assets… they should be contributing”, but he insisted that the government would not be taking “family heirlooms” off people arriving in Britain.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke has the full story:
Jewellery and valuables belonging to refugees could be seized to pay for housing
Pictured: Starmer meets with apprentices in Downing Street
11:05 , Athena Stavrou Labour group brand plans as 'divisive and xenophobic'
10:57 , Athena StavrouA left wing Labour group have condemned the government’s asylum plans as “divisive and xenophobic”.
Momentum wrote on X: “The Home Secretary’s new immigration plans are divisive and xenophobic.
“Scapegoating migrants will not fix our public services or end austerity. The Government must fundamentally change course. Refugees are welcome here.”
The Home Secretary’s new immigration plans are divisive and xenophobic.
— Momentum 🌹 (@PeoplesMomentum) November 17, 2025
Scapegoating migrants will not fix our public services or end austerity.
The Government must fundamentally change course. Refugees are welcome here.
Diane Abbott criticises 'truly frightening' proposals
10:46 , Athena StavrouVeteran MP Diane Abbott has criticised the government’s “truly frightening” asylum proposals today.
Referring to some of the legal changes the home secretary is planning to make, Ms Abbott said: “Some of the legal changes being proposed are truly frightening:
“Abolishing the right to a family life would ultimately affect many more people than asylum-seekers.
“Overriding it if the risks of violence are greater is a mob's charter. Watering down the Modern Slavery Act. Awful.”
Some of the legal changes being proposed are truly frightening:
— Diane Abbott (@HackneyAbbott) November 17, 2025
Abolishing the right to a family life would ultimately affect many more people than asylum-seekers.
Overriding it if the risks of violence are greater is a mob's charter.
Watering down the Modern Slavery Act. Awful. pic.twitter.com/7DSyz0jlu4
Growing criticism from Labour MPs on asylum reforms
10:24 , Athena StavrouThe government is facing growing criticism from backbench MPs as the home secretary unveils sweeping plans to overhaul the UK’s asylum system.
A number of Labour MPs have expressed their opposition to the planned reforms, which will see the government overhaul human rights laws in a bid to ramp up deportations.
Kent MP and former immigration lawyer Tony Vaughan has said ministers’ rhetoric “encourages the same culture of divisiveness that sees racism and abuse growing in our communities”.
Other backbenchers backed Mr Vaughan’s comments, with one saying the government’s policy was “incoherent” and another warning “performative cruelty” would undermine efforts to solve problems in the immigration system.
One Labour MP accused the party leadership of “chasing Reform”. They told The Independent: “The dehumanisation of people in desperation is the antithesis of what the Labour Party is about.”
Asylum seekers to have some assets seized to pay for accommodation
10:05 , Athena StavrouA government minister has outlined how asylum seekers could have some of their assets seized to contribute to the cost of supporting them.
Borders minister Alex Norris Norris said it was “right if people have assets that they should contribute” to asylum costs, if for example they had expensive cars or “bags full of gold rings”.
He told Times Radio: “There’s an individual, for example, who’s getting £800 a month from outside the country, who’s just picked himself up an Audi. If people have cars, if they have e-bikes, they should be making a contribution to their support.”
He stressed however that people would not have family heirlooms such as wedding rings removed and told Sky News: “What we're saying, though, [is] if someone comes over with a bag full of gold rings, well that's different to, as I say, a family heirloom or personal items.”
Shabana Mahmood 'highly likely to be the next Labour leader' if she succeeds in asylum reforms, says Labour MP
09:52 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Shabana Mahmood is “highly likely to be the next leader of the Labour Party” if her sweeping reforms to the asylum system succeed, a Labour backbencher has said.
The MP, who spoke anonymously, told The Independent that the new home secretary has "grasped two out of the three things required - she has diagnosed the problem, she has communicated the anger, the politics and the solution".
But they said the "missing third" is the solution working, adding: "Only time will tell. We now need to frame the Tories as the party who caused the fire, the Reform party who don’t really want the fire to go out and the left wing protest parties saying there isn’t a fire".
They continued: "If all this comes together - she is highly likely to be the next leader of the Labour Party… but… can the useless Home Office actually deliver?"
What is happening in politics today?
09:41 , Athena StavrouIt’s a busy start to the week in politics, with lots of detail and reaction from the government’s new immigration proposals.
At 10am, the prime minister will be holding a Q&A session in Downing Street with apprentices.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is on a visit in the south east this morning also.
At 11am, we’re expected a Reform UK press conference.
The afternoon will see plenty of discussion about the asylum overhaul.
At 2:30pm there will be Home Office questions in the Commons before Shabana Mahmood makes a statement in the chamber at around 3:30pm.
Mahmood makes an example of three African countries with visa ban to warn the others
09:27 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
The visa bans for Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo may seem to be random given that many on the small boats are coming from the Middle East.
In a new set of hard line policies the targeting of three unstable African countries wracked by recent wars may look like dog whistling to satisfy the right.
But what the home secretary Shabana Mahmood is attempting to do is to essentially make an international example of these three to scare others into cooperating.
There is a major problem of people moving up from sub Saharan Africa and coming into Europe and to the UK.
For quite a while now UK governments have warned that there would be visa restrictions or bans for countries which did not take back illegal migrants. Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have all been among the worst at doing that.
Now they are being punished for it in the hope that it will mean they and other countries where the flow of irregular migration is coming from will up their game and start taking people back.
Claims that asylum reforms would sow division are not fair, says Home Office minister
09:09 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Claims that the government's asylum reforms would sow division are not fair, a Home Office minister has said, arguing that the reforms are necessary to restore public confidence.
Asked whether he is concerned that the government's asylum reforms would encourage people to regard migrants with suspicion, Alex Norris told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “I don't think that's a fair characterisation at all and that is not the message that we're expressing. When you have low public confidence, that's when people start to make perhaps unfair or superficial assessments. If we restore order and control at our borders, it's the government's job to do it, then we can have the system we all want.”
Referring to criticism from Labour MP Tony Vaughan, Mr Norris added: "I know I want the same thing that Tony wants, which is a safe system, an ordered system, so people are coming in a controlled way, and is one that meets our decades long commitment as a generous, open tolerant country.”
He added: “We will always stand up for people who need that shelter when they're fleeing persecution... But to to have that system and to have the public confident in that system, you have to have controls at the border.”
Analysis: Shabana Mahmood takes centre stage in midst of Labour turmoil
08:55 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
When Keir Starmer did his reshuffle back in September the focus was mostly on the departure of Angela Rayner over her tax affairs but his most significant move was an almost complete overhaul of the Home Office.
Out went Yvette Cooper transferred to the Foreign Office and in came the much more robust, no nonsense Shabana Mahmood as home secretary.
She brought in with her a new attitude of taking on some of the issues which had been considered untouchable by Labour previously.
This included massively watering down human rights, especially the right to family life and the right to asylum to try to tackle the small boats crisis and illegal immigration.
But there is more to it than that.
With Labour in turmoil and Sir Keir’s own position very much in question, the promotion of Ms Mahmood has placed her as potentially the lead figure of the right of the Labour Party’s leadership candidate.
Some wondered why Morgan McSweeney, himself on the right of the party, had turned on Wes Streeting, the previous candidate for that wing, last week.
There is speculation now that he favours Mahmood.
This week she now has the chance to shine as Labour’s answer to the threat posed by Nigel Farage and Reform, and as a potential leader in waiting.
Recap: Home secretary condemns ‘mortifying’ Labour leadership row as Rayner allies forced to deny new plot
08:40 , Namita SinghThe home secretary has condemned speculation around the Labour leadership as “deeply mortifying” as allies of Angela Rayner were forced to deny a bid to topple the prime minister, just days after the health secretary had to do the same.
Shabana Mahmood said the past week of Labour infighting has been “horribly embarrassing” as she called on ministers to “focus on the job” rather than engage in “tittle tattle”.
You can read the full story below...
Labour row condemned as ‘mortifying’ as Rayner allies forced to deny new plot
What you need to know this morning
08:35 , Athena StavrouIt’s been a busy start to the week in Westminster, as the government prepares to unveil it’s radical immigration reforms.
Here’s what you need to know this morning:
• The home secretary is set to overhaul human rights laws to make it easier to deport people.
• The government will try to change the way the ECHR is interpreted by UK judges to stop asylum seekers from using their rights to a family life to avoid deportation.
• Shabana Mahmood is also expected to ban three countries - Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo - from accessing UK visas if they fail to take back illegal migrants.
• The home secretary will deliver a statement in the Commons about the reform at 3:30pm.
• There has been discontent on the backbenches, with one Labour MP accusing the party leadership of “chasing Reform”.
• The Refugee Council, a charity advocating on behalf of refugees, warned that watering down these laws risks chaos and will drive desperate people underground, leaving them prone to exploitation.
• Conservative shadow home office minister Matt Vickers has said the Government’s asylum overhaul is “largely gimmicks”.
Reform to hold press conference
08:26 , Athena StavrouReform UK are set to hold a press conference this morning, as the government is accused of “chasing” them with their new immigration policies.
The right wing party will speak to media as the home secretary is due to unveil “sweeping” immigration reforms.
One Labour MP accusing the party leadership of “chasing Reform”.
They told The Independent: “The dehumanisation of people in desperation is the antithesis of what the Labour Party is about.”
Comment: Dare we go the full Danish and make Britain a ‘zero refugee’ zone?
08:20 , Namita SinghLeft-leaning but tough on migration, Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen has taken a hard line on asylum seekers that offers a blueprint for Shabana Mahmood’s shake-up at the Home Office – but, says Mary Dejevsky, she’ll come unstuck if she tries to implement the whole thing
Dare we go the full Danish and make Britain a ‘zero refugee’ zone?
Labour to overhaul human rights laws in bid to ramp up migrant deportations
08:00 , Namita SinghLabour will overhaul human rights laws to make it easier to deport foreign criminals and small boat migrants as part of a major immigration crackdown.
Under sweeping reforms unveiled by the home secretary, the government will attempt to change the way the European Convention on Human Rights is interpreted by UK judges in a bid to stop asylum seekers using their rights to a family life to avoid deportation.
Home Office officials have claimed the ECHR “is allowing large numbers of people to stay in the UK, against the public’s wishes”, and that new legislation will allow Britain to ramp up the number of removals.
But critics have hit out at the proposals, warning any move to alter how the UK interprets the rules will drive asylum seekers underground and leave them vulnerable to exploitation.
Caitlin Doherty has the full story...
Labour to announce largest UK immigration overhaul in a generation
Minister declines to rule out visa sanctions on India
07:56 , Bryony GoochThe borders minister has declined to rule out imposing visa sanctions on India if the country did not take back more illegal immigrants.
Asked whether the Government would extend visa sanctions to India, Alex Norris told Times Radio: “We are looking at all of our agreements with every country, and if we do not think we’re getting that right engagement, that right commitment, then of course we reserve all opportunities to escalate that.
“But this is best done by bilateral co-operation. That’s what we’re seeking across the country.
“But people would expect that if we have failed asylum applications or if they’ve committed crimes, of course they should be removed.
“And we’re going to use every available method to us.”
Border minister insists Labour not chasing Reform vote with asylum policy
07:53 , Bryony GoochThe borders minister insisted Labour was not chasing Reform UK voters with its new asylum policy.
Alex Norris told BBC Breakfast: “The one thing I can assure you is that political considerations don’t come into this.
“We’re the Government of the country. We get out of bed every day to do our best by the people of this country.
“We know people are fed-up. We know people don’t want to see people coming in an uncontrolled way.”
Farage says Mahmood sounds like 'a Reform supporter'
07:52 , Bryony GoochNigel Farage has responded to Shabana Mahmood’s asylum proposals, seemingly with approval as he said the Home Secretary sounds like “a Reform supporter”.
“The Home Secretary sounds like a Reform supporter. It’s a shame that the Human Rights Act, ECHR and her own backbenchers mean that this will never happen.”
The Home Secretary sounds like a Reform supporter.
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) November 16, 2025
It’s a shame that the Human Rights Act, ECHR and her own backbenchers mean that this will never happen. https://t.co/gbRMpzJXL8
Government's plans will be 'limited' by ECHR, says former supreme court judge
07:47 , Bryony GoochFormer supreme court judge Lord Sumption has said the Government’s plans to change how human rights legislation is applied in migration court cases will be “limited” due to the European Court of Human Rights.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It will certainly have some effect, though I suspect not a very great effect.
“The idea, as I understand it, is to direct UK judges as to how they are to interpret the European Convention.
“Now, if we pass an act in the UK that tells judges to interpret the Convention in a particular way and the Strasbourg court says it should be interpreted in a different way, then the Strasbourg court will hold us to have violated the Convention, we will then have a direct conflict between our international obligations under the Convention and our domestic legislation.
“This doesn’t mean that the idea is impractical, far from it. What it means is that if the Government wants to stay in the Convention system – and it does – then it has only very limited freedom of action, it has to draft its legislation in a way that will be acceptable to the Strasbourg court.
“That’s quite difficult to do, because the Strasbourg court is an unpredictable court which tends to make up the legal principles as it goes along.”
He added: “All I’m saying is that it’s actually a difficult and delicate business to try and work out what Strasbourg court will accept and what it won’t.”
Sending licence fee money to Mar-a-Lago not ‘smart’, shadow minister suggests after Trump threatened to sue BBC
07:40 , Namita SinghIn one of the other week’s major stories, shadow home secretary Chris Philp has warned sending BBC licence fee money “over to Mar-a-Lago” would not be a “smart” thing to do.
It comes after Donald Trump threatened to sue the corporation for up to $5bn.
Chris Philp said he believed the president is the “wronged party” in his battle with BBC, but that he did not think that using licence fee money to settle the matter would be a good idea.
You can read more from Caitlin Doherty below...
Sending licence fee money to Mar-a-Lago not ‘smart’, shadow minister suggests
Minister confirms assets could be seized off migrants to pay for housing
07:31 , Millie Cooke, Political CorrespondentMillie Cooke, Political Correspondent reports:
Assets could be seized off migrants in order to pay for their accommodation in Britain, a Home Office minister has confirmed.
"The principle here, at the moment, is that the British public pay billions of pounds a year so that those seeking asylum or those who have already failed in their applications can be supported in their accommodation and their living", Alex Norris told Sky News.
"It is right that if people have money in the bank, if people have assets like cars, like E-bikes, they should be contributing. No, we're not going to be taking people's heirlooms off them at the border. But if there's an individual, for example, getting £800 a month sent to him. He's got himself an Audi.
“People have cars. People have E-bikes. Those are assets, they should contribute that to the cost of their living."
Pressed on whether jewellery would be confiscated, he insisted they would not be taking wedding rings off people, but added: "What we're saying, though, is if someone comes over with a bag full of gold rings, that's different to a family heirloom or personal items."
Backbenchers calls Labour asylum proposals a 'wrong turning'
07:30 , Bryony GoochLabour backbenchers are already showing their discontent with new asylum proposals, with Tony Vaughn, MP for Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh, saying the party was taking a “wrong turning.”
“The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning.
“The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong. We absolutely need immigration controls. And where those controls decide to grant asylum, we should welcome and integrate, not create perpetual limbo and alienation.
“The rhetoric around these reforms encourages the same culture of divisiveness that sees racism and abuse growing in our communities. The Government is wrong to think that reviews of safety in the person's country every few years will mean refugees can be returned at scale. That hasn't happened in Denmark.”
The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning.
— Tony Vaughan KC MP (@tonyvaughanMP) November 16, 2025
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong. We absolutely need immigration controls. And where those controls decide to…
Shabana Mahmood to set out 'biggest changes to asylum system in modern times'
07:23 , Millie Cooke, Political CorrespondentMillie Cooke, Political Correspondent reports:
Shabana Mahmood will set out the "biggest changes to the asylum system in modern times", a Home Office minister has said ahead of the home secretary's statement to the House of Commons later today.
The changes will "reduce those reasons for people to come here illegally" and "make it easier for us to remove people who have no legitimate right to be here, including foreign criminals", Alex Norris told Sky News.
He also claimed the changes would allow Britain in the long run to "establish safe and legal routes so that people don't have to come across Europe, don't have to come across the channel".
Why does the UK want to model its immigration system on Denmark?
07:20 , Namita SinghThe government is hoping to take lessons from the Danish immigration system, but what exactly would that look like? Millie Cooke and Holly Bancroft explain
Why does the UK want to model its immigration system on Denmark?
Tory shadow minister calls asylum overhaul 'largely gimmicks'
07:18 , Bryony GoochConservative shadow Home Office minister Matt Vickers has said the Government’s asylum overhaul is “largely gimmicks”.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We welcome anything if the Government pulls its finger out and gets on with trying to tackle this issue.
“It’s a huge challenge for this country, it comes at a huge cost to the taxpayers and it’s blatantly unfair, so we welcome any positive move by the Government.
“But the reality is this is small steps, some small steps in the right direction, but largely gimmicks.”
He added: “The Government is not going far enough, the only way to solve this crisis is that people, when they get in those boats, know they will not be able to stay, they’ll stop paying those people-smuggling gangs.
“People need to know that when they arrive in this country they will be removed.”
Why has the home secretary chosen Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo?
07:00 , Namita SinghShabana Mahmood has threatened three countries with Trump-style visa bans if they do not improve their cooperation with taking back their citizens.
According to reports in The Times, Ms Mahmood wrote to the embassies of Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in London on Thursday to warn them of the potential changes.
But why has she picked on these three countries?
The Times report says the Home Office said the three African countries were the most “obstructive” in refusing to take back their citizens.
But a number of other countries - including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Bangladesh, are also believed to be on the home secretary’s watchlist.
“In Britain, we play by the rules. When I said there would be penalties for countries that do not take back criminals and illegal immigrants, I meant it,” she said. “My message to foreign governments today is clear: accept the return of your citizens or lose the privilege of entering our country.”
'Dark forces are stirring up anger' over migration, says Mahmood as she defends asylum overhaul
06:46 , Namita SinghShabana Mahmood has cautioned Labour colleagues that “dark forces are stirring up anger” over migration, as senior figures within the party grow increasingly uneasy about the most far-reaching changes to refugee protections in decades.
The home secretary is due to set out a package of contentious legislation on Monday, including a requirement for refugee status to be reassessed every two years, restrictions on the asylum appeals process, and a tougher line on claims involving the right to family life.
Writing in the Guardian, Ms Mahmood argued that mounting frustration around illegal migration could ultimately be directed at second-generation immigrants like herself, posing a threat to community cohesion. “I know that a country without secure borders is a less safe country for those who look like me,” she said.
Shabana MahmoodDark forces are stirring up anger in this country, and seeking to turn that anger into hate. We must take the opportunity we have to stop that from happening. And I know we can.
The true nature of this country is openness, tolerance and generosity. We want to provide sanctuary to those in danger. We want to be a Greater Britain, not a littler England.
However, her proposals are believed to have already generated deep discomfort among senior Labour officials and ministers, with one figure said to be considering resignation.
Two senior sources expressed particular alarm about plans to accelerate the removal of refugee families, including those with children, reported the Guardian.
Charities have also voiced strong concerns, warning that the new regime could create “another Windrush scandal” and trap refugees in prolonged uncertainty.
They fear children may be uprooted from schools, adults prevented from establishing careers, and long-term integration severely undermined.
Alongside the tougher measures, Ms Mahmood is expected to outline three new safe and legal routes for people fleeing conflict zones such as Sudan and Eritrea to come to the UK. Even so, the status of those admitted through these schemes would remain subject to continual review.
Labour to announce largest immigration overhaul
06:03 , Namita SinghLabour will overhaul human rights laws to make it easier to deport foreign criminals and small boat migrants as part of a major immigration crackdown.
Under sweeping reforms unveiled by the home secretary, the government will attempt to change the way the European Convention on Human Rights is interpreted by UK judges in a bid to stop asylum seekers using their rights to a family life to avoid deportation.
Home Office officials have claimed the ECHR “is allowing large numbers of people to stay in the UK, against the public’s wishes”, and that new legislation will allow Britain to ramp up the number of removals.
More here:
Labour to announce largest UK immigration overhaul in a generation
Home secretary plans visa bans for three countries
05:15 , Namita SinghShabana Mahmood will ban three countries from accessing UK visas if they fail to take back illegal migrants as she plans to overhaul human rights law as part of a sweeping reform of the asylum system.
Three African countries, Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, will face visa sanctions, blocking their tourists, VIPs and business people from travelling to Britain if they do not co-operate more on the removal of illegal migrants.
The move was reportedly inspired by Trump administration homeland security secretary Kristi Noem, according to the Times.
Ms Mahmood said: "In Britain, we play by the rules. When I said there would be penalties for countries that do not take back criminals and illegal immigrants, I meant it.
"My message to foreign governments today is clear: accept the return of your citizens or lose the privilege of entering our country."
Ms Mahmood is set to rewrite how Britain grants refuge to those fleeing conflict and upheaval with a statement in the House of Commons on Monday.
Illegal immigration ‘tearing the country apart’ says Mahmood defending asylum policy overhaul
04:40 , Namita SinghIllegal migration is “tearing the country apart”, the home secretary has warned, ahead of a sweeping shake-up of Britain’s asylum system.
Shabana Mahmood is expected to set out a series of stringent reforms on Monday, including a proposal that refugees granted asylum would have to wait two decades before being eligible for permanent settlement.
Under the plans, refugee status would also be re-examined at regular intervals, and individuals whose countries are later judged to be safe could be instructed to return.
Speaking on the BBC, Ms Mahmood described her approach as a “moral mission”.
She added: “I know illegal migration is causing huge divides here in our own country, and I do believe we need to act if we are to retain public consent for having an asylum system at all.”
But her stance has already unsettled some within Labour.
Clive Lewis, the Labour MP, told the BBC that adopting elements of the Danish model risked echoing “talking points of the far right”, cautioning that disillusioned left-leaning voters could drift towards the Green Party.
Ms Mahmood dismissed such criticism, stressing her own family’s migrant background. “I am the child of migrants myself, my parents came to this country lawfully in the late 60s, and in the 70s,” she said.
“Immigration is absolutely woven into my experience as a Brit and also that of thousands of my constituents.
Shabana MahmoodThis is a moral mission for me, because I can see illegal migration is tearing our country apart, it is dividing communities.
“People can see huge pressure in their communities and they can also see a system that is broken, and where people are able to flout the rules, abuse the system and get away with it.”
What is Denmark's approach to asylum?
04:30 , Namita SinghThe Danish government drastically changed its migration system in response to a major influx of people throughout the 2010s. As a result, asylum seekers can only get temporary residence permits for one to two years.
Residency is subject to regular review, and can be revoked once a refugee's home country is deemed safe.
Refugees are usually eligible for permanent status after eight years, and in order to get it they must speak fluent Danish and are required to have had a job for several years. There are also supplementary requirements, including "active citizenship".
People refused asylum must live in "departure centres", a basic standard of accommodation designed to incentivise a voluntary return home.
Family reunification is also subject to strict tests, including that both a sponsor and their partner must be over 24 years old, in a bid to prevent forced marriages.
A controversial policy known as the "jewellery law" allows the Danish authorities to confiscate asylum seekers' assets, including jewellery, to help fund the costs of their stay in Denmark. Assets of "special personal significance" should not be taken.
The authorities are also able to demolish and sell social housing in areas where more than 50 per cent of residents are from a "non-western" background, under a so-called "ghetto law" designed to prevent the formation of "parallel societies".
The effect of Denmark's policies has been to reduce the number of asylum applications to the lowest number in 40 years, and remove 95% of rejected asylum seekers.
It has however been criticised by some opponents as racist, and elements of it were previously found to have breached human rights law.
The Danish government is led by a political party which has a philosophy similar to Britain's Labour Party. It is seen as a model for the way a left-leaning administration can roll out an immigration crackdown, placate voters' concerns about migration, and defeat political rivals.
What changes is the government making?
04:20 , Namita SinghShabana Mahmood will revoke the legal duty to provide asylum-seeker support, introduced in 2005 via EU law.
This means housing and weekly allowances will no longer be guaranteed for asylum seekers.
Those who have a right to work in the UK and can support themselves, but do not, could also be denied housing and benefits because of the change, as could lawbreakers.
Refugee status will become temporary and subject to regular review. Refugees will be removed as soon as their home countries are deemed safe. The wait for permanent settlement will be quadrupled to 20 years.
New safe and legal routes to the UK will be introduced as a way to cut dangerous journeys in small boats across the English Channel.
Local communities will be able to sponsor individual refugees in a model similar to the Homes for Ukraine scheme, in which people hosted those in need in their homes.
Human rights law will be overhauled to prevent it from being used to frustrate deportations. New legislation will be brought forward to ensure article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to family life) is balanced against the public interest.
Failed asylum seekers will also be limited to make one appeal against their removal, instead of having the ability to make multiple challenges on different grounds.
Last-minute appeals will be expedited, and the deportation of serious criminals will be fast-tracked with a new independent body.
AI technology to be used to identify the age of migrants
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAI facial age estimate technology is set to be rolled out to identify migrants’ age in a bid to find out whether those claiming to be children really are.
Shabana Mahmood has outlined a raft of radical measures, including introducing a 20-year wait for those who arrive in Britain by means such as small boats or lorries to qualify for a permanent stay.
The home secretary is set to revoke the statutory legal duty to provide asylum-seeker support, introduced in 2005 via EU law.
This means housing and weekly allowances will no longer be guaranteed for asylum seekers.
Those who have a right to work in the UK and can support themselves, but do not, could also be denied housing and benefits because of the change, as could lawbreakers.
On Monday she will reveal her major changes which will also include requiring judges to prioritise public safety over migrants’ rights to a family life, or the risk that they will face “inhuman” treatment if returned to their home country.
'Our generosity is drawing illegal migrants across the Channel,' says home secretary
03:40 , Nicole Wootton-Cane“This country has a proud tradition of welcoming those fleeing danger, but our generosity is drawing illegal migrants across the Channel,” home secretary Shabana Mahmood said.
“The pace and scale of migration is placing immense pressure on communities.
“This week, I will set out the most sweeping changes to our asylum system in a generation. We will restore order and control to our borders.”
She also told The Sunday Times newspaper the changes are “designed to essentially say to people: do not come to this country as an illegal migrant, do not get on a boat”.
What is in the government’s asylum overhaul and how is it inspired by Denmark?
03:20 , Namita SinghHome secretary Shabana Mahmood is to announce what she has billed as "sweeping reforms" to the UK's asylum system.
Ms Mahmood will outline an overhaul of the way Britain grants sanctuary to those fleeing conflict and hardship abroad, in a statement in the House of Commons on Monday.
The reforms are aimed at making Britain a less attractive destination for illegal migrants and making it easier to remove them from the UK.
Many of the measures have already made it into the public domain via briefings to newspapers.