The legal duty to provide asylum seekers with support including housing and weekly allowances will be revoked as part of radical measures to stop illegal migrants coming to the UK. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will tomorrow unveil what is billed as the “largest overhaul of asylum policy in modern times”. Labour says this means “automatic handouts for those seeking refuge will end”.

The sweeping changes are based on “ironclad” policies pioneered in Denmark and are intended to ensure “Britain will no longer be a magnet for illegal migrants seeking to benefit from a generous system”.

The Government argues that if the UK did not tighten its system it risks being an “international outlier”. It says it will seek to remove asylum support “including accommodation and handouts” from people who have a “right to work and who can support themselves but choose not to or those who break UK law”.

Under the plans, “access to benefits will be prioritised for those making a contribution to the economy and communities”.

Ms Mahmood, said: “This country has a proud tradition of welcoming those fleeing danger, but our generosity is drawing illegal migrants across the Channel. The pace and scale of migration is placing immense pressure on communities.

“This week I will set out the most sweeping changes to our asylum system in a generation. We will restore order and control to our borders.”

The Government points out that Denmark has remained a member of the European Convention on Human Rights but has “reduced the number of asylum applications to the lowest number in 40 years and successfully removed 95% of rejected asylum seekers”.

It states that the legal requirement to provide “guaranteed, unconditional financial assistance for anyone who claims asylum and would otherwise be destitute” is “ending” and “will no longer be a given”. Instead, the Home Office will be able to “deny assistance to those who can work, have assets, fail to comply with removal directions, engage in criminality, disrupt accommodation settings, or work illegally”.

It claims for too long “the UK has offered a package of benefits and support that far exceeds our international obligations, creating a powerful pull factor for those crossing Europe to reach our shores”.

Migrants’ access to benefits will be reviewed in a consultation next year. They may be required to take specific actions not to lose assistance, with the Government “prioritising those who contribute and integrate into UK society”.

The Conservatives claim Labour will be “incapable of getting any real change past their Left-wing backbenchers” but have offered to work with Ms Mahmood “in the national interest”. However, support is conditional on action to “reduce the number of asylum claimants in this country”.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “We have to get a grip of our asylum system and that’s why the Conservatives have set out our ‘stronger borders’ plans to leave the ECHR. But Britain can’t afford to wait till the next election, so I’m making the Labour party an offer in the national interest.

“We will work with you to strengthen the asylum system.”

She added: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to grow a backbone.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “Labour have lost control of our borders with over 62,000 people crossing the Channel since the election and so far their measures do not go far enough – stopping short of leaving the ECHR or reviewing the thresholds for asylum claims. The country cannot afford any more gimmicks from this weak Government.

“It needs real action, which we are prepared to work with the Government to deliver.”

Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s head of policy, said: “No one in their right mind believes that Labour will get a grip on the asylum crisis.”

Claiming the UK had seen a surge in asylum claims on Labour’s watch, he said: “Only Reform will build detention centres, deport illegals, and stop this madness for good.”