UK government defends asylum crackdown, PM Starmer under pressure from far right

The UK government's recent defense of its asylum crackdown reflects a broader trend in European migration policy, particularly as it seeks to emulate Denmark's strict asylum system. The Home Secretary's upcoming announcement to make support for asylum seekers 'discretionary' further illustrates the government's shift towards limiting aid for those deemed capable of work or possessing assets. Critics, including the Refugee Council, argue that these measures are excessively harsh and unnecessary, highlighting a growing divide in public sentiment regarding immigration and asylum policies. As the Labour government navigates pressure from the far-right Reform UK party, the internal opposition from left-wing lawmakers adds complexity to the ongoing debate about the future of asylum in the UK.