Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates a significant decrease in net migration over the past year, dropping by two thirds. The estimated long-term net migration fell to 204,000 in the year leading up to June, down from 649,000 in the previous year. This decline is considered a positive development for Keir Starmer.
According to statisticians, approximately 898,000 individuals migrated to the UK during this period, marking a decrease of 401,000 compared to the prior 12 months. Concurrently, 693,000 people exited the country within the same timeframe.
The Labour party has committed to reducing net migration. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently introduced adjustments to settlement regulations, including periodic reviews every 30 months for individuals with refugee status.
Addressing the issue, Mahmood stated, “Net migration has reached its lowest point in five years, having decreased by more than two-thirds under the current government. To alleviate the strain on local communities, we are implementing further reforms to ensure that migrants contribute more than they receive.”
Out of the long-term migrants to the UK, approximately 75%, or an estimated 670,000 individuals, hailed from non-EU countries. British nationals accounted for around 143,000, while EU nationals totaled 85,000.
Additional data released by the Home Office today reveals that 111,000 individuals sought asylum in the year ending September 2025, representing a 13% increase from the previous year and surpassing the previous peak of 103,000 in 2002.
Mahmood emphasized the urgency of addressing illegal immigration and emphasized a proactive approach to removals, even involving families with children. She also outlined a series of measures aimed at ensuring individuals earn the right to permanent settlement.
Despite the notable decrease in net migration, public perception remains skewed, as evidenced by a survey indicating that 56% of respondents believed migration had risen in the past year. In reality, figures for 2024 show a more than halved migration rate, dropping from 848,000 to 345,000, following a peak of 944,000 in 2023.
Director of immigration think tank British Future, Sunder Katwala, stressed the importance of aligning the immigration debate with factual trends, highlighting the substantial reduction in net migration over recent years.
As the public’s attention shifts towards immigration, Gideon Skinner, senior director of UK Politics at Ipsos, noted a growing concern and negative sentiment surrounding the issue, particularly regarding asylum and government responses. Skinner emphasized the need for a nuanced discussion surrounding immigration policies and their implications.
The report recommends that government officials enhance the UK–France asylum agreement to manage Channel crossings effectively, phase out the use of asylum hotels by the following year, expedite decision-making processes, and establish credible pathways to settlement. It also advocates for a balanced approach that acknowledges legitimate concerns while combatting prejudice in the immigration discourse.
