UK MIGRATION COLLAPSE Stuns Critics as Conservative Policies WIN
— Net migration to the UK has dropped sharply, falling from 860,000 in 2023 to just 431,000 by December 2024. This big change follows years of public calls for stronger border control and ends a period of record-high immigration.
The drop is linked to tougher visa rules set by the previous Conservative government. More people are also leaving Britain for jobs abroad. Fewer arrivals from refugee programs and foreign students going home have helped bring numbers down even more.
Labour leaders now claim credit after taking office in mid-2024. But Conservatives say their policies made this happen. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper points to stricter rules on illegal work and asylum returns as proof of progress, while former Home Secretary James Cleverly says it was Conservative action that turned things around.
Even with lower migration, worries remain about pressure on public services and illegal Channel crossings. The government says new reforms are coming soon and promises UK borders will stay “under control” ahead of the next election.
