Extra unhealthy news for the govt. as ’embarrassed’ backbenchers demand motion on internet migration

It is extra unhealthy news for the federal government on migration.

There are a number of headline figures popping out from the Office for National Statistics, however crucial one is that this: net migration to the UK in the year to December 2022 has been revised up to 745,000.

That is a big quantity: larger than beforehand thought and a brand new report.

Politics news latest: Number 10 reacts to latest net migration figures as Tory MPs call for action

In the 2019 manifesto, the Conservatives pledged to “bring overall numbers down”. Boris Johnson stated he would convey annual internet migration under 250,000 by the following election.

Rishi Sunak has tried to maneuver away from particular targets – however he has put immigration, particularly unlawful migration, on the coronary heart of his pitch to the nation.

Whatever complexities behind the rising figures – probably the most up-to-date provisional determine for the 12 months to June 2023 is 672,000 (fewer than 745,000, however that might but be revised up) – anticipate a clamour from the proper of the Conservative Party.

Jonathan Gullis says the figures are “completely unacceptable” and the federal government must “get these numbers down quickly”.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg stated he was “embarrassed” by the “absolutely extraordinary” figures.

In an announcement, the New Conservatives group of right-wing MPs stated: “Today we see the result of these conscious decisions by the government … the word ‘existential’ has been used a lot in recent days but this really is ‘do or die’ for our party.”

It’s unclear the extent of assist this group actually has, however the dwelling secretary’s response has galvanised some on the proper of the get together.

James Cleverly stated: “The figure is not showing a significant increase from last year’s figures and is largely in line with our own immigration statistics.”

One MP tells me that sentence has “bewildered” them.

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However, we do anticipate to listen to extra from the Home Office on measures to convey down internet migration as early as subsequent week.

This may embody a crackdown on abuses within the visa system, rising wage thresholds and searching once more on the scarcity occupation scheme. There is also modifications to the principles on bringing households over on working visas.

I perceive the immigration minister Robert Jenrick has beforehand pushed for an total cap to internet migration.

However, the view amongst some in authorities is {that a} steadiness must be struck on the subject of financial considerations over workforce shortages.

The new dwelling secretary has been within the job simply over per week, as he grapples with inherited figures, he faces questions at the moment from the opposition benches and his personal get together about internet migration.

He has saved a low profile, for now.