Burnham Urges Further Reduction in UK Net Migration Amidst Policy Debate

Andy Burnham has asserted that net migration into the UK must decrease even more, a statement made shortly after official data revealed a near-doubling in the reduction rate since 2024. The Greater Manchester mayor, who is running as the Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election, noted that constituents have frequently voiced their anxieties regarding immigration to him directly. He emphasized that the latest statistics, which calculate the gap between those arriving and departing the country, indicate a "significant downward trend."

According to Office for National Statistics figures released on Thursday, net migration contributed 171,000 individuals to the UK population over the past year. This marks the lowest figure recorded since 2012, with the exception of the pandemic years. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the data, stating that further action is required.

Burnham stressed the necessity for the government to "strike the right balance" in its strategy to restrict permanent settlement for migrants. While expressing support for the general direction of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposals, he cautioned that careful work is needed to ensure the policy is effective. Mahmood has defended the changes as "fair" and essential to prevent a "drain on our public finances." However, the proposals have drawn criticism from within her own party; former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and other Labour MPs have condemned the retrospective elements of the plan as "un-British," accusing the government of "moving the goalposts."

Burnham highlighted the ongoing consultation on these measures, remarking, "We'll have to work hard to get the balance right, but the broad thrust of what she's doing is right."

The concept of settlement, or indefinite leave to remain, grants individuals the permanent right to reside, work, and study in the UK, along with access to certain benefits. The Home Office estimates that without these proposed changes, approximately 1.6 million people could gain settlement status between 2026 and 2030.

In addition to immigration, Burnham addressed his evolving stance on single-sex spaces. When asked about the new guidance from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which has been approved by ministers and states that facilities such as toilets and changing rooms should be used according to biological sex, Burnham admitted his position has shifted. Previously, he had suggested that only a "small minority" objected to trans women—biological males identifying as women—using women’s toilets.

On Friday, Burnham confirmed he accepts the Supreme Court’s ruling that the Equality Act’s definition of a woman is based on biological sex and must be enforced. He added that this ruling should not be viewed as a "victory over other people in society" and urged that marginalized groups should not face further marginalization. When pressed by the BBC on whether he had changed his mind, Burnham replied, "I'll be honest, yes. I've followed the debate as it's gone along over the years." He described his approach as one of "live and let live," aiming for a fair outcome that acknowledges everyone’s concerns to restore social cohesion.

Burnham is contesting the Makerfield constituency in Greater Manchester with the aim of returning to Westminster. His victory is seen as a potential launchpad for a bid for the Labour leadership, should he become an MP. During his campaign launch on Friday, he framed his candidacy as a "vote to change Labour," promising to restore the party to what he described as its former identity.

This comes amidst intense speculation regarding Sir Keir Starmer’s tenure following Labour’s disappointing election results earlier this month. Despite pressure from dozens of MPs to resign, Starmer has refused to step down and has faced no formal challenge. He has committed to campaigning for Burnham, characterizing the upcoming contest as a "straight fight between Labour and Reform."

Reform UK’s candidate, Robert Kenyon, a councillor and self-employed plumber who finished second to Labour in 2024, dismissed the idea that Makerfield is a stepping stone for his career. He made these comments on X, accompanied by a video of himself driving his van.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-22 15:11:26 UTC