UK’s Net Migration Figures for 2022 Reach Record High
LONDON — United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing intense pressure from within his own Conservative party to address the soaring net migration numbers, as recently published data reveals a record-breaking surge. The Office for National Statistics has revised its estimates, showing that net migration to the UK in the year leading up to December 2022 reached a new high of 745,000 individuals, surpassing the previous estimate of 606,000.
Calls for immediate action from the more hard-line faction of the Tories have grown louder, with a looming general election next year intensifying the urgency. Referred to as the New Conservatives, a group of lawmakers insists that they made electoral promises regarding migration that must not be ignored. Suella Braverman, the former home secretary known for her anti-immigration stance, has also joined the chorus of criticism, condemning the record numbers as a betrayal of the British public’s desire for migration control and reduction.
The Conservative party secured their reelection in 2019 with a manifesto pledge to regain control of the UK’s borders and detach from the European Union’s regulations. The process of Brexit was completed in 2020, shifting the focus onto migration issues, particularly the arrival of unauthorized asylum-seekers via small boats in the English Channel.
Although the most recent figures indicate a decrease in net migration to 672,000 in the 12 months leading up to June 2023, it remains unclear whether this signals the beginning of a sustained downward trend. Sunak’s office at Downing Street emphasized that net migration figures remain far too high and hinted at the possibility of further measures being introduced to address the issue. In May, it was announced that foreign postgraduate students would no longer be allowed to bring their family members to the UK from next year as part of efforts to curb immigration.
The Office for National Statistics explained the upward revision of the 2022 figures as a result of shifting patterns and behaviors, which have become less predictable since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jay Lindop, director of the international migration department, highlighted that the increase was primarily driven by arrivals from non-EU countries for educational and professional purposes, particularly in the health and social care sectors. However, the flow of individuals fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and the curtailment of civil liberties in Hong Kong has also contributed, although these numbers have slowed in recent months.
Lindop added, Net migration to the UK has been running at record levels, driven by a rise in people coming for work, increasing numbers of students, and a series of world events. The latest data revealed a total of 1.18 million arrivals to the UK in the year ending June 2023, with 508,000 estimated departures, resulting in the net migration figure of 672,000.
While Sunak’s Conservative party has consistently trailed behind the opposition Labour Party in national polls, economic concerns and inflation appear to be higher on voters’ agenda than migration. As the lead-up to the general election draws near, Sunak must navigate the delicate balance between addressing migration concerns within his party and addressing the broader priorities of the public.
In the quest to control net migration numbers, Sunak’s government must carefully consider both the economic impact and the desires of the electorate. As the nation stands divided, the migration issue will remain at the forefront of political discussions, shaping the future direction of the United Kingdom.
