UMVA has learned that the UK government has made significant strides in reducing net migration, with numbers plummeting by 82% in just three years.
The dramatic decline comes after a post-Brexit spike in 2023, when a record 944,000 more people arrived than left the country. This surge was largely driven by changes to the immigration system introduced by the previous government, which led to a large influx of non-EU nationals.
Since then, ministers, including current Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and her predecessor Yvette Cooper, have implemented measures to bring the numbers back down. Mahmood hailed the progress, stating that the government will continue to welcome those who contribute to the country, but emphasized the need to restore order and control to the borders.
The Home Secretary outlined her vision for a 'skills-based migration system that rewards contribution', aimed at ending 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, leaving British families feeling the effects in lower wages, longer waiting lists for public services, and housing shortages. The debate over immigration policy continues, with the government facing pressure to strike a balance between welcoming talent and controlling the flow of people into the country.
Net migration refers to the difference between the number of people leaving the UK and those arriving to live here. The latest statistics show that the government still has work to do to achieve its goals, but the significant reduction in net migration marks a step in the right direction.
