UMVA has learned that the UK government has made significant strides in reducing net migration, with a staggering 82% drop in just three years.
The number of people entering and leaving the UK reached a peak in 2023, with a net gain of 944,000 individuals, largely driven by changes to the immigration system introduced after Brexit. This led to a substantial influx of non-EU nationals coming to the UK.
Since then, ministers, including current Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and her predecessor Yvette Cooper, have implemented measures to bring the numbers back down. Mahmood stated that the government will continue to welcome those who contribute to the country and wish to build a better life here, but emphasized the need to restore order and control to the borders.
Mahmood is working to establish a 'skills-based migration system that rewards contribution', aiming to end the UK's reliance on cheap overseas workers. However, shadow home secretary Chris Philp expressed concerns that non-EU immigration remains too high, while Brits are leaving the country on a massive scale.
Philp argued that mass immigration undermines society and low-wage immigration harms the economy, affecting British families through lower wages, longer waiting lists for public services, and housing shortages.
Anti-immigration sentiment is prevalent in the UK, with recent protests and counter-demonstrations drawing large crowds. A video message promoting the benefits of migration was displayed during one of the protests, featuring images of British stars with foreign heritage, including George Michael, Mo Farah, and Dua Lipa.
The message emphasized that immigration has enriched British culture, with the video ending with the phrase: 'If you go back far enough… We're all immigrants.'
