UK net migration needs to fall further, says Andy Burnham

UK net migration needs to fall further after new figures showed it has almost halved since 2024. The latest net migration level is the lowest since 2012, excluding the Covid pandemic, and the trend is described as significantly down. Labour’s by-election candidate in Makerfield said voters have raised concerns about immigration. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the government must get the balance right on plans to make it harder for migrants to settle permanently. He supports the broad thrust of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposals, which are framed as fair and necessary to avoid a drain on public finances. Settlement, or indefinite leave to remain, allows long-term residence, work, study, and potential benefit eligibility. The Home Office forecast suggests about 1.6 million people could settle between 2026 and 2030 if no changes are made.

"Andy Burnham has said UK net migration "needs to fall further", after new government figures showed it had almost halved since 2024. Labour's by-election candidate in Makerfield said people on the doorstep have "raised their concerns about immigration" with him. He added the latest figures on net migration - the difference between those entering and leaving the country - show the "trend is significantly down". The figure was at its lowest level since 2012, excluding the Covid pandemic."

"Burnham, the current Greater Manchester mayor, also said the government must "get the balance right" on its plans to make it harder for migrants to settle permanently in the UK. He said he "supports the broad thrust" of what Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is proposing. Mahmood has argued the planned changes are "fair" and required to avoid a "drain on our public finances". Burnham highlighted the consultation on the home secretary's plans, adding: "We'll have to work hard to get the balance right, but the broad thrust of what she's doing is right.""

"Settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain, gives a person the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as they like and apply for benefits if they are eligible. The Home Office has forecast that around 1.6m people could settle between 2026 and 2030 if no changes are made. Burnham is seeking a return to Westminster by contesting the by-election in the Greater Manchester constituency."

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