The policies of the ruling parties in Denmark and the UK in the context of the securitization of international migration

With the onset of the Arab Spring, Europe faced the largest refugee crisis in its history. In response to this crisis, far-right, anti-immigrant parties gained momentum, increasing their voter base through their rhetoric and exerting pressure on ruling parties. During this period, the far-right Danish People's Party rose to prominence in Denmark, effectively utilizing political discourse to become a significant actor in national politics. This development influenced the ruling Social Democratic Party, leading to a shift in its stance on immigration. These two parties, following the refugee crisis, institutionalized the measures taken against immigrants within a legal framework, transforming immigration into a societal, national, and economic security issue. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the far-right United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) played an active role during the simultaneous refugee crisis and Brexit process. UKIP's influence was instrumental in the country's decision to leave the European Union. Moreover, through its anti-immigrant rhetoric, the party heightened public opposition to immigration and contributed to the Conservative Party, which remained in power until July 2024, adopting a security-based approach to immigration. As a result of this process, the UK officially left the EU, implemented strict measures against immigrants, and immigration was ultimately framed as a security issue.