Record Influx Sparks Voter Uproar
Rishi Sunak, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, is set to announce a comprehensive plan today aimed at reducing net migration following public outcry over the country's record influx of migrants. The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is expected to raise the minimum salary requirement for overseas workers to £38,000 and impose additional restrictions on their ability to bring family members with them.
Pressure Mounts on Sunak
The Prime Minister has come under immense pressure to take action after figures revealed that 745,000 people immigrated to the UK last year. Tory MPs have openly criticized their party leader over the issue, and Rishi Sunak will be eagerly awaiting their response to his proposed measures.
Migration Numbers Dip Slightly
Recent estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that 672,000 individuals immigrated to the UK in the 12 months leading up to June 2023, a slight decline from the previous figure of 745,000. Over the same period, a total of 1.18 million people came to the UK, including both legal and illegal migrants, while 508,000 people left the country.
Non-EU Migrants Drive Surge
The influx of migrants was primarily driven by individuals from non-EU countries, with India accounting for the largest group of arrivals at 253,000. Students made up 39% of all non-EU immigrants, while those on work-related visas constituted 33%.
Rwanda Deal to Combat Illegal Arrivals
As part of the government's efforts to address illegal migration, the Prime Minister's office is finalizing a new agreement with Rwanda. This comes after plans for a previous treaty were thwarted by the Supreme Court. The government has faced criticism for allocating an additional £15 million to Rwanda on top of the £140 million already provided. However, Downing Street argues that this investment is a cost-effective solution compared to the daily expense of accommodating small boat arrivals in hotels, which amounts to £8 million.
Legal Challenges Await
Despite the proposed measures, the Prime Minister is anticipating a contentious battle with lawyers and peers in order to successfully deport a single migrant. HOAR columnist Trevor Kavanagh suggests that this could lead to an "almighty row" in the near future.
