Campaigners have branded Shabana Mahmood's sweeping new reforms to the UK's immigration and asylum systems a "moral failure" and a "profound misjudgment of political strategy".
The home secretary unveiled a series of measures in the House of Commons this afternoon, modelled on the stricter approach of Denmark's government, and including making refugee status temporary, narrowing the appeals process and warning of visa bans on countries that block returns.
Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain, said:
“The fact that these proposals are being cheered by far-right extremists should give the government pause - but beyond being a clear moral failure, the data shows it is also a profound misjudgment of political strategy.
“Multiple studies by election analysts, including Best for Britain, show that ramping up ever-harsher rhetoric on immigration and asylum never wins over Reform-curious voters, but does drive Labour voters toward the Lib Dems and Greens in England, and the SNP and Plaid in Scotland and Wales. The government would be wiser to make the case for the international institutions and protections we all depend on.”