Record 1.4 million visas handed to migrants last year – Tories demand action

Tories call for action as visas surge

Senior Tories have criticized the record 1.4 million visas handed to migrants last year, with a whopping 243% rise in asylum claims. The surge in refused claims by 445% has raised concerns among ministers.

New migration controls and calls for an overall cap

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to slash foreign arrivals, but new measures did not impact last year's migration numbers. Calls for an overall cap on migration have been sparked by the latest statistics.

Key stats and figures

The data reveals that only 2% of small boat migrants have been returned since 2018, bad weather reduced Channel crossings, over 45,000 illegal migrants are still in hotels, and the asylum backlog has decreased to 128,000.

Tories express concerns over visa distribution

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman raised concerns about the high numbers of work and student visas, emphasizing the strain on infrastructure. Advocating for an annual migration cap, she warned of the consequences of continued high levels of migration.

Labour criticizes government's handling of migration

Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the government for losing control of the immigration system and border security. She highlighted the low rate of return for small boat migrants and accused the Conservatives of lacking a plan to address the situation.

Government's response and future plans

Downing Street defended recent migration crackdown measures, aiming to reduce legal migration and implementing stricter rules. While the record number of asylum acceptances is attributed to clearing backlogs, concerns remain over the overall management of migration.