Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is facing a massive backlash after new statistics revealed that net migration in the UK reached a record high of 745,000 last year. The figures show that Britain's population grew by more than the size of the city of Newcastle, dealing a devastating blow to the Prime Minister's promise to reduce immigration numbers.
Immediate Action Needed, Says Tory MP
Tory MP Neil O'Brien expressed his concern, stating, "Today's extraordinary numbers mean the PM must now take immediate and massive action." Another backbencher expressed their frustration, saying, "I feel numb. Such is the level of anger and despondency I feel."
Data experts had previously estimated that net migration for 2022 would be 606,000. However, the latest figures reveal a massive increase of 139,000, bringing the total to 745,000. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) did provide a slight glimmer of good news for Sunak, projecting mid-term estimates for the 12 months to June 2023 at 672,000, which is slightly lower than the revised figure.
Population Growth and Migration Breakdown
The figures include both legal and illegal migration and show a total of 1.2 million people immigrating to the UK, while emigration was at 508,000. This results in a net migration of 672,000 for the year up until June. For comparison, the population of Newcastle is estimated to be around 719,000.
PM's Pledge in Jeopardy
The Prime Minister's pledge to reduce net migration to below 245,000, as promised in the party's 2019 election manifesto, now seems unlikely to be achieved. The government is considering plans to restrict overseas health workers from bringing more than one relative with them, but some Tory MPs are calling for stronger measures to bring down the numbers.
Former minister Neil O'Brien emphasized the importance of action, stating, "In every election since 1992, we have promised to reduce migration. Today's extraordinary numbers mean the PM must now take immediate and massive action to do just that." Tory MP Tom Hunt echoed this sentiment, saying, "We stood on a manifesto saying we'd cut net migration. The vast majority of the electorate think migration is too high. We need to bring numbers down substantially."
Tragic Drowning Incident Highlights Migration Challenges
In addition to the record-breaking migration numbers, a tragic incident occurred yesterday when a small boat carrying migrants capsized in French waters. Two individuals in their thirties, a man and a woman, drowned, while a third victim was airlifted to the hospital. Thankfully, 57 passengers were rescued.
