Title: Burnham Argues for Further Reduction in Net Migration Amidst Shifting Stance on Gender Identity

Andy Burnham has asserted that the United Kingdom’s net migration figures require an additional decline, following recent government data indicating that the numbers have nearly halved since 2024. The Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election noted that constituents have frequently expressed worries regarding immigration during their campaigns. He pointed out that the latest statistics, which calculate net migration as the difference between arrivals and departures, confirm a "significantly down" trend.

According to Office for National Statistics data released on Thursday, migration contributed an increase of 171,000 individuals to the UK population over the past year. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded to these figures by stating that "more to do" remains. This latest count represents the lowest level recorded since 2012, a period prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Greater Manchester mayor emphasized that the government must strike the correct equilibrium regarding strategies to restrict permanent settlement for migrants. Burnham expressed support for the general direction of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposals. Mahmood has defended the changes as "fair" and necessary to prevent a "drain on our public finances." However, the proposals have faced criticism from within her own party; several Labour MPs, including former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have labeled the retrospective application of the rules as "un-British" and akin to "moving the goalposts."

Highlighting the ongoing consultation on the Home Secretary’s plans, Burnham remarked, "We'll have to work hard to get the balance right, but the broad thrust of what she's doing is right." Indefinite leave to remain, commonly referred to as settlement, grants individuals the right to reside, work, and study in the UK indefinitely and to access benefits if eligible. The Home Office projects that without these changes, approximately 1.6 million people could gain settlement between 2026 and 2030.

In addition to immigration, Burnham indicated a shift in his perspective regarding single-sex spaces after being questioned on new guidance from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The minister-approved guidance stipulates that facilities such as toilets and changing rooms should be utilized according to biological sex. Previously, Burnham had suggested that only a "small minority" objected to trans women—biological males who identify as women—using women’s toilets.

On Friday, Burnham stated that he accepts the Supreme Court decision establishing that the definition of a woman under the Equality Act must be based on biological sex, noting that it "has to be implemented." He clarified that the ruling should not be viewed as a "victory over other people in society" and warned against further marginalizing vulnerable groups. When pressed by the BBC on whether his position had evolved, Burnham admitted, "I'll be honest, yes. I've followed the debate as it's gone along over the years." He described his approach as "live and let live," aiming for a solution that is "fair but that recognises the concerns of all people and finds the point of balance and then brings people back together."

Burnham is running to return to Westminster in the Greater Manchester constituency. He is widely anticipated to seek the Labour leadership if he wins the seat, potentially challenging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. During his campaign launch on Friday, Burnham framed his candidacy as a "vote to change Labour," aiming to restore the "party back they used to know."

This comes amid speculation surrounding Starmer’s future following Labour’s underwhelming performance in the recent election. Despite pressure from numerous MPs to resign, Starmer has refused to step down and faces no formal challenge. He has committed to campaigning for Burnham, characterizing the contest as a "straight fight between Labour and Reform."

Meanwhile, Reform UK’s candidate, Robert Kenyon—a councillor and self-employed plumber who finished second to Labour in 2024—dismissed the idea that Makerfield serves as a launching pad for his career. Kenyon made this comment on X while sharing a video of himself driving his work van with the party leader.

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