Keir Starmer is bidding to show he is serious about tackling immigration today as he holds talks with European leaders in Copenhagen.
The PM is in the Danish capital – where the left-wing government has been openly creating a ‘hostile environment’ for new arrivals.
Ahead of his visit, Sir Keir insisted that there will no longer be a ‘golden ticket’ for asylum seekers to settle in the UK.
The premier is desperately trying to quell the poll charge by Nigel Farage’s Reform, which is demanding tough action on immigration.
During the European Political Council meeting, Sir Keir plans to unveil a collaboration with Denmark’s centre-left Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, to address the root causes of migration from the Western Balkans.
Although the plan only has £3million of funding, it is meant to encourage people to stay in the region and take up jobs there.
Keir Starmer aims to demonstrate his commitment to combating immigration issues today by engaging in discussions with European leaders in Copenhagen, as seen alongside Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
In this session, Sir Keir will introduce a partnership with Ms. Frederiksen aimed at tackling the underlying reasons for migration from Western Balkan countries.
But Sir Keir could seek tips from Ms Frederiksen on how to address public alarm over immigration.
Touring broadcast studios this morning, migration minister Mike Trapp said migrants are ‘shopping around Europe to find the most generous system’.
Ahead of his arrival in Copenhagen, Sir Keir said: ‘I believe that if you want to come to the UK, you should contribute to our society.
‘That is the tolerant and fair approach to migration that our communities are built on, but the current system is not fit for purpose.
‘That is why we’re making fundamental changes to what those granted asylum are afforded in the UK.
‘Settlement must be earned by contributing to our country, not by paying a people smuggler to cross the Channel in a boat.’
He stated that while the UK will continue to accept ‘genuine refugees escaping persecution,’ it must also confront the ‘pull factors’ that are encouraging illegal small boat crossings.
‘There will be no golden ticket to settling in the UK, people will have to earn it,’ he added.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will set out reforms in full later in the autumn that will see refugees face a longer route to resettlement.
It will require them to contribute to the UK and they will not have the automatic right to bring their families to join them.
According to the Government, refugees will still be eligible for ‘core protection’ and will not be forcibly returned under the new policies. However, there will be an introduction of a ‘new, longer route to settlement’ which requires contributions, replacing the existing five-year duration.
Earlier this week, the Home Secretary announced at the Labour party conference the intention to implement stricter criteria for obtaining indefinite leave to remain.
Migrants will need to be in work, not on benefits, have a high standard of English and no criminal record.
Ahead of his visit, Sir Keir insisted that coming to the UK will no longer be a ‘golden ticket’ for asylum seekers. Pictured: File picture of small boat in the Channel
They will also need to reach a certain level of national insurance contributions and contribute, for example by working in their local community.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp called the changes a ‘gimmick’ and said Sir Keir should repeal the Human Rights Act.
He said: ‘Tweaking family rules is another Starmer gimmick that will make no difference whatsoever – just like his smash the gangs gimmick, and his 11,000 in, one out gimmick.’
The number of migrant arrivals on small boats has topped 34,000 in 2025 so far, marking a record for this point in the year since data on Channel crossings was first reported in 2018.
