Tory MPs have demanded that the prime minister act after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) updated its figures to record an estimated net migration of 745,000 in 2022.
The revelation prompted several urgent calls for action from Tory MPs, including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
The figures reflect a surge in England and Wales’s population by an estimated 1 percent, the fastest rate in 60 years, propelled largely by international migration.
Net migration, the stark difference between arrivals and departures, has been a topic of concern, with number for the year to June 2023 standing at an estimated 672,000, according to the latest figures, also released today by the ONS.
This sharp increase follows a pattern of fluctuating migration levels, standing at a mere 93,000 in the year to December 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, soaring to 466,000 in the year to December 2021, and reaching the recent high of 745,000 in the year to December 2022.
Ms. Braverman, joining a chorus of disapproval, deemed the pressure on public services as unsustainable. Speaking via social media, she underscored the need for immediate action, pointing out that the current figures contradict the Conservatives’ electoral pledge to control and reduce net migration.
Ms. Braverman advocated for an annual cap on net migration, the closure of the graduate visa route, and a cap on health and social care visas.
Figures ‘Shockingly High’
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer labelled the 672,000 net migration figure “shockingly high,” attributing it to broader policy failure.Speaking to the media during a visit to Essex, he said: “That figure is shockingly high. It represents a failure, not just of immigration, but also of asylum and of the economy.
“Because within that figure there’s a huge increase in work visas, which shows the government hasn’t done what it needs to do on skills.
“Within that number there are a rising number of asylum seekers and disclosure that the hotel bills are going up and up. “
Former minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg expressed “embarrassment” over the “absolutely extraordinary” net migration figure, linking excess immigration to forecasts of shrinking GDP per capita. Acknowledging a political failure in controlling post-Brexit borders, he dismissed the small boats issue as a “distraction.”
Richard Tice, leader of Reform UK, criticised the government’s perceived inaction, telling The Epoch Times that its rhetoric was “waffle, no action.” He advocated for “net zero immigration” and spoke about a wider public frustration.
The Reform Party, which has crept higher in the polls in recent weeks, cutting into the dissident Tory vote, today ratified selected candidates ahead of its build up to the general election, with plans to run in 630 seats.
The party also has an electoral pact to allow the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to run uncontested in around half a dozen seats.
Government Has ‘Abandoned Promises’
Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, condemned the figures, predicting intolerable pressure on housing and public services. He accused the government of abandoning promises made at the last election and succumbing to “pro-immigration” pressure groups.“These figures are truly shocking. They will result in intolerable pressure on our housing and public services. The government have abandoned their promises at the last election and have simply caved in to every pro-immigration pressure group. Indeed net migration is now at four or five times the level of three years ago,” he said.
Mr. Mehmet also warned that if unchecked, net migration could lead to a population of 85 million.
“If this is allowed to continue, Britain’s population could well soar to about 85 million by 2046. This would be equivalent to 18 new cities the size of Birmingham, and would place an intolerable strain on our land, housing, transportation, and public infrastructure.
“Apart from the economic pressures brought by this eye watering net migration figure, how on earth will we integrate the 1.2 million long term migrants arriving every year? It will only add massively to the problem of integrating the millions of migrants already here.
Downing Street Admits Figures ‘Far Too High’
In response to questions about issuing fewer visas, the prime minister’s official spokesman emphasised the importance of striking the right balance. Acknowledging the need to review the situation, he stated that short-term pressures may require workers, particularly in areas like health and care.Downing Street has hinted at additional measures to curb net migration, recognizing the strain on communities and local councils.
The spokesman said: “Net migration remains far too high. That’s why we are taking action to bring it down. That is what the British public expect.
“That’s why in May we announced the toughest-ever action to reduce migration. That includes clamping down on the roughly 150,000 dependents of students who come into the UK every year and introducing an additional immigration health surcharge and raising visa costs.
“We know this is predicted to lead to significant reductions. As we’ve seen today, the ONS figures show migration is now reducing year on year, but we believe there is much more to do.
“Where the system is being abused, we will leave no stone unturned in rooting that out so companies and individuals cannot exploit our system.”
The overarching sentiment from across the political aisle is that net migration remains unacceptably high, necessitating immediate action. Mr. Sunak’s government remains committed to reducing migration, with promises of stringent measures to tackle abuse of the visa system.
Ahead of the general election, a feeling of public distrust and a potential rebellion within the Tory party over immigration will be key issues for the reshuffled Cabinet to tackle head on.
