UK net migration needs to fall further, says Andy Burnham
Summary
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor and Labour by-election candidate, said UK net migration needs to fall further after official figures showed it nearly halved in 2024. He supports the government’s plans to limit permanent settlement rights for migrants but says the policy must balance fairness with public concerns.Key Facts
- UK net migration in 2024 added 171,000 people, the lowest since 2012 (excluding Covid years).
- Net migration is the number of people entering minus those leaving the country.
- Andy Burnham supports Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s plans to restrict indefinite leave to remain, which allows migrants to live and work in the UK permanently.
- The Home Office predicts 1.6 million people could settle in the UK between 2026 and 2030 without changes.
- Some Labour MPs oppose the proposed changes, calling them unfair and retrospective.
- Burnham is running in the Makerfield by-election and aims to return to Parliament and challenge Labour leader Keir Starmer.
- Keir Starmer is campaigning for Burnham in the by-election and has rejected calls to step down as Labour leader.
- Other parties, including Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats, have announced candidates for the Makerfield by-election.
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