LONDON – Net migration to the UK dropped sharply in 2024, halving from the previous year’s record levels, according to figures released Thursday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The latest data offers a brief reprieve for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is under mounting pressure over immigration policy.
The ONS reported net migration of 431,000 in 2024, down significantly from 860,000 in the year to December 2023 — marking the biggest drop since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Long-term net migration is down by almost 50 percent,” the ONS said, attributing the decline to fewer arrivals on work and study visas, as well as an uptick in emigration, particularly among temporary workers and students.
The fall follows tougher visa restrictions introduced under the previous Conservative government, including higher salary thresholds and tighter rules on dependents.
Immigration has become a defining political issue in Britain, and Starmer’s Labour government has responded with new measures announced on May 12, aimed at curbing net migration further. These include a reduction in the number of overseas care workers, extended waiting periods before migrants can qualify for settlement, and enhanced powers to deport foreign criminals.
The Prime Minister, once a vocal Remain supporter, adopted a firmer tone in a recent speech, warning that Britain risked becoming “an island of strangers.” The comment drew backlash from within his own Labour ranks but reflects growing electoral pressure following strong local election performances by the anti-immigration Reform UK party.
The Interior Ministry said it aims to bring visa numbers down by up to 100,000 annually by the end of this parliament in 2029.
Interior Minister Yvette Cooper welcomed the drop, saying, “The 300,000 drop in net migration since the election is important and welcome after the figures quadrupled to nearly a million in the last parliament.”
Cooper also revealed that nearly 30,000 failed asylum seekers had been deported since Labour took office in July — a 12 percent rise compared to the same period last year.
However, the opposition Conservatives dismissed Labour’s claim to progress. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argued on X that “numbers are still too high” and accused Starmer of blocking stricter immigration controls. Former Home Secretary James Cleverly credited the drop in migration to Conservative-era visa reforms, saying, “Labour will try to claim credit, but these numbers are falling because of the changes I introduced.”
Despite the decline in net migration, Labour faces a growing threat from Reform UK. The latest YouGov poll shows Nigel Farage’s party leading with 29 percent support, ahead of Labour’s 22 percent. The Liberal Democrats climbed to third with 17 percent, pushing the Conservatives into fourth place at 16 percent.
As political rivals battle for control of the migration narrative, Starmer’s government faces the challenge of balancing public sentiment, economic needs, and humanitarian obligations — all while preparing for future electoral tests.
