UK Net Migration Falls 20% but Remains Historically High

New figures show net migration to the UK at 728,000 for the year ending June 2024, with both immigration and emigration trends influenced by policy changes and global factors.

Net migration to the UK dropped from a revised record high of 906,000 in 2023 to 728,000 in 2024, driven by fewer dependants on study visas and increased emigration of former students.
The Office for National Statistics attributed the decline to policy changes, including restrictions on study visa dependants introduced by the previous Conservative government.
Labour's response focused on long-term solutions, including tackling people smuggling and signing agreements with origin countries, while avoiding numerical migration targets.
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, called for a return to annual migration caps but did not commit to specific figures, echoing past unfulfilled Tory pledges.
Nigel Farage and Reform UK capitalized on public discontent over immigration, positioning migration as a key issue for upcoming local elections.