Title: Annual Net Migration to UK Reaches Record High, Puts Pressure on PM Sunak Ahead of Election
The United Kingdom experienced a record high in annual net migration, with figures reaching 745,000 in 2022, according to official data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This surge in migration has placed immense pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take action and reduce immigration levels as the nation gears up for the upcoming election.
The issue of high levels of legal migration has significantly influenced UK politics for over a decade and is anticipated to be a key focal point during the upcoming vote. To address this concern, Sunak unveiled plans aimed at tackling illegal migration. However, these efforts faced a setback when a court recently ruled that his proposal to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was unlawful.
Additionally, Sunak has pledged to decrease the number of people entering the UK legally in response to the concerns expressed by voters regarding public services and housing shortages. This commitment aligns with Interior Minister James Cleverly’s assertion that the government is devoted to reducing legal migration and eliminating abuse of the visa system.
The ONS has revised its net migration estimate for 2022, increasing it by 139,000 to reach the unprecedented figure of 745,000. Moreover, the figure for the year ending in June 2023 has reached 672,000, marking an increase from the previous year’s estimate of 607,000.
It is noteworthy that non-European Union (EU) nationals now constitute the majority of immigration to the UK. The rise in immigration from non-EU countries during the period ending in June is primarily driven by individuals seeking job opportunities, particularly in the health and social care sectors. The top three non-EU nationalities for immigration during this period were Indian, Nigerian, and Chinese.
While the high levels of migration pose challenges in terms of the country’s labor shortages, some argue that they are economically and socially unsustainable. However, the ONS observed a decline in the number of people arriving on humanitarian routes during the most recent period, indicating potential changes in migration patterns.
In response to the headlines, the opposition Labour Party has criticized the Conservative government’s handling of immigration and asylum, alleging a lack of control over the issue and a dearth of plans for the economy.
As the election approaches, Prime Minister Sunak must navigate the demands for swift action on reducing migration while also addressing the country’s labor needs and sustainable economic growth. The government’s approach to immigration will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape and public sentiment in the coming months.
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