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Net Migration Hits 2012 Low, Yet Half Voters Misjudge

5/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Home Office data released 22 May 2026 show net migration fell to its lowest level since 2012, excluding Covid.
A poll reports 49% of voters think migration rose despite the drop to 171,000 last year.
Labour’s Andy Burnham, standing in the Makerfield by-election, backs Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s immigration reforms.
Analysts warn Burnham must balance immigration concerns with Labour’s left and Reform UK voters.

History

Historical Context

After the EU’s biggest single enlargement on 1 May 2004—when ten Central and Eastern European states joined—the United Kingdom opened its labour market, prompting the Home Office to record 215,000 EU arrivals in 2005, a 30 % rise. Although net migration fell to 171,000 in 2026, half of voters still think it’s increasing, fueling calls for reform by figures such as Andy Burnham.

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Story summary

Home Office data released 22 May 2026 show net migration fell to its lowest level since 2012, excluding Covid.
A poll reports 49% of voters think migration rose despite the drop to 171,000 last year.
Labour’s Andy Burnham, standing in the Makerfield by-election, backs Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s immigration reforms.
Analysts warn Burnham must balance immigration concerns with Labour’s left and Reform UK voters.

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