Levelling Up Secretary acknowledges need to bring numbers down
The UK's Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, has stated that the rising levels of migration are not a betrayal of Brexit. While acknowledging the need to "bring numbers down," Gove emphasized that such measures would not have been possible before Brexit.
Migration levels at record high
Revised estimates published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last week reveal that net migration into the UK peaked at 745,000 in the year to December 2022, which is a record high. This places migration levels at three times higher than before Brexit, despite a Conservative Party 2019 manifesto pledge to reduce overall numbers.
MPs call for commitment to be honored
Several MPs on the right of the Conservative Party, including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, have called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to honor the commitment made in the party's 2019 manifesto. The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is now working with new Home Secretary James Cleverly on further measures to drive down the numbers.
Gove defends migration figures
Speaking to LBC on Monday morning, Michael Gove rejected claims that the new ONS figures are at odds with Britain's vote to leave the EU. He emphasized that the UK now has the opportunity to decide its own migration rules as a consequence of Brexit. Gove also pointed out that the figures are inflated by refugees from Ukraine and Hong Kong, stating that providing shelter and support for refugees is part of the UK's proud tradition.
Government to implement measures to control borders
Gove stated that the government is committed to implementing a range of policies to control borders and tackle illegal migration. He highlighted the importance of the Rwanda deal and stated that the Prime Minister and Home Secretary are working on further measures to address the issue.
Business Secretary supports strong measures to reduce migration
Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch also commented on the ONS figures, expressing her support for the "strongest measures possible" to reduce migration. She mentioned the possibility of increasing the salary threshold for migrant workers, but emphasized the need to wait for the Home Secretary's package before discussing specifics. Badenoch laid some blame for the high migration numbers on Prime Minister Boris Johnson, stating that the figures were from last year when he was in office.
