Title: Burnham Calls for Further Reduction in UK Net Migration

Andy Burnham has stated that net migration to the UK must decrease further, following the release of new government statistics indicating the figure has nearly dropped by half since 2024. The Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election noted that constituents have frequently expressed concerns regarding immigration during his door-to-door campaigns. He emphasized that recent data on net migration—calculated as the difference between those entering and leaving the country—demonstrates a "significantly down" trend.

According to Office for National Statistics data released on Thursday, net migration added 171,000 individuals to the UK population last year. This marks the lowest level recorded since 2012, excluding the period of the Covid pandemic. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the figures, noting that "more to do" remains ahead.

Burnham, who currently serves as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, argued that the government must "get the balance right" regarding its strategy to restrict permanent settlement for migrants. He expressed support for the general direction of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposals. Mahmood has defended the planned changes as "fair" and necessary to prevent a "drain on our public finances." However, the proposals have faced criticism within the Labour party; former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and other MPs have characterized the retrospective nature of the plans as "un-British" and accused the government of "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 known as settlement, grants individuals the right to reside, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, along with access to eligible benefits. The Home Office estimates that approximately 1.6 million people could gain settlement status between 2026 and 2030 if the proposed changes are not implemented.

Burnham also revealed a shift in his perspective regarding single-sex spaces after being asked about the 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 designated based on biological sex. Previously, Burnham had suggested that only a "small minority" viewed the presence of trans women—biological males who identify as women—in women’s toilets as problematic.

On Friday, Burnham confirmed he accepts the Supreme Court ruling that the definition of a woman under the Equality Act must be based on biological sex and stated that this interpretation "has to be implemented." He clarified that the ruling should not be viewed as a "victory over other people in society" and stressed that marginalized groups should not face further marginalization. When challenged by the BBC on whether his stance had changed, 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 aiming to return to Westminster by contesting the by-election in the Greater Manchester constituency. It is widely anticipated that if elected, he will challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. During his campaign launch on Friday, Burnham framed a vote for him as a "vote to change Labour," promising to restore "the party back they used to know."

Sir Keir has been the subject of intense speculation regarding his future following Labour’s disappointing election results earlier this month. Despite calls from dozens of MPs for him to resign, he has refused to step down, and no formal challenge has been launched. Sir Keir has committed to campaigning for Burnham in the by-election, describing the contest as a "straight fight between Labour and Reform."

Reform UK 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 this comment on X while posting a video of himself driving his van, emphasizing his local focus.

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