Title: Burnham Urges Further Reduction in Net Migration as Makerfield Campaign Launches

Andy Burnham has stated that the UK’s net migration figures must decrease even more, following the release of new government data indicating a significant drop since 2024. The Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election noted that constituents have frequently expressed their worries regarding immigration during his doorstep campaigns.

Burnham pointed out that the latest statistics on net migration—the gap between individuals entering and exiting the country—demonstrate a "significantly down" trend. According to Office for National Statistics data released on Thursday, net migration contributed an additional 171,000 people to the UK population over the past year. This figure represents the lowest level recorded since 2012, disregarding the period of the pandemic. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the data, stating that there remains "more to do."

The Greater Manchester mayor emphasized that the government must strike the correct balance in its strategy to restrict permanent settlement for migrants. Burnham expressed his support for the general direction of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposals, describing them as having the "broad thrust" that is correct. While Mahmood has defended the changes as "fair" and necessary to prevent a "drain on our public finances," she faces internal party criticism. Several Labour MPs, including former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have condemned the retrospective nature of the plans, labeling them as "un-British" and akin to "moving the goalposts."

Burnham highlighted the ongoing consultation regarding the Home Secretary’s plans, asserting, "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 permanent right to live, work, and study in the UK, along with eligibility for benefits. The Home Office projects that approximately 1.6 million people could gain settlement between 2026 and 2030 if these proposed changes are not implemented.

In addition to immigration, Burnham addressed his evolving stance on single-sex spaces. When questioned about his acceptance of new guidance from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which states that facilities such as toilets and changing rooms should be designated based on biological sex, Burnham admitted his position had shifted. Previously, he had suggested that only a "small minority" objected to trans women—biological males who identify 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 that this must be enforced. However, he clarified that this legal interpretation should not be viewed as a "victory over other people in society" and warned that marginalized groups must not be further marginalized. When pressed by the BBC on whether his view had changed, he responded honestly: "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 fair solution that addresses everyone’s concerns and restores social cohesion.

Burnham is campaigning for a return to Westminster in the Greater Manchester constituency of Makerfield. He is widely anticipated to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he wins the seat. During his campaign launch on Friday, Burnham framed a vote for him as a vote to "change Labour" and reclaim the party voters once knew. This comes amid intense speculation regarding Starmer’s future following Labour’s recent poor election performance. Although dozens of MPs have urged him to resign, Starmer has resisted calls to step down, and no formal challenge has been mounted. Starmer has committed to campaigning for Burnham, describing the contest as a "straight fight between Labour and Reform."

Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon, a councillor and plumber who finished second to Labour in 2024, dismissed the notion that Makerfield is a launchpad for his career. He made this comment on X, sharing a video of himself driving his work van, indicating that the seat is not a "stepping stone" for him.

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