Copenhagen
Denmark has had a difficult few weeks. While it’s used to grabbing the headlines for being the happiest country in the world or having an enviable work-life balance, lately the country has been hit by a torrent of criticism. Thanks to its tougher immigration laws, politicians have even had to deal with Nazi Germany comparisons. And it’s hurt – a lot.
Last week, Parliament passed new rules including the controversial ‘jewellery law’. This gives police powers to confiscate valuables and cash worth more than £1,000 from refugees. Never mind that few believe this policy will ever be put into practice.
It’s also made it much more difficult for those deemed ‘temporary’ asylum seekers to apply for reunification with their families, including children. International condemnation has been harsh – from former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to Chinese artist Ai Weiwei who has closed his exhibition in Copenhagen, in protest.
David Cameron was supposed to be in the capital last Friday but at the last minute, the visit was cancelled.
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