Title: Andy Burnham Calls for Further Reduction in UK Net Migration

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has stated that net migration in the UK must decrease further, following recent government data indicating a near-halving of figures since 2024. The Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election noted that constituents have frequently expressed worries about immigration to him personally. He pointed out that the latest statistics on net migration—defined as the disparity between those arriving in and departing from the country—demonstrate a "significantly down" trend.

According to data released by the Office for National Statistics on Thursday, the influx of migrants added 171,000 individuals to the UK population over the past year. This figure represents the lowest level recorded since 2012, excluding the period affected by the pandemic. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the progress but emphasized that there remains "more to do."

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 the proposals put forward by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. While Mahmood has defended the changes as "fair" and necessary to prevent a "drain on our public finances," the proposals have faced criticism within her own party. Some Labour MPs, including former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have labeled the retrospective aspects of the plan as "un-British" and accused the government of "moving the goalposts."

Addressing 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, as well as access to benefits if eligible. The Home Office projects that approximately 1.6 million people could gain settlement between 2026 and 2030 if current policies remain unchanged.

In addition to immigration, Burnham addressed his stance on single-sex spaces after being questioned about new guidance from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The guidance, which has been approved by ministers, asserts that facilities such as toilets and changing rooms should be designated based on 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 confirmed that he accepts the Supreme Court ruling which determined that the definition of a woman under the Equality Act should be rooted in biological sex, stating it "has to be implemented." He clarified that the ruling does not imply a "victory over other people in society" and stressed that marginalized groups should not face further exclusion. When pressed by the BBC on whether his position had shifted, Burnham admitted, "I'll be honest, yes. I've followed the debate as it has 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 find a balance and "bring people back together."

Burnham is currently running for a seat in Westminster in the Greater Manchester constituency. He is widely anticipated to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he secures an MP position. During his campaign launch on Friday, Burnham framed a vote for him as a "vote to change Labour," aiming to restore the "party back they used to know."

This comes amidst intense speculation regarding Starmer’s future following Labour’s disappointing election results earlier this month. Despite pressure from dozens of MPs to resign, Starmer has resisted calls to step down, and no formal challenge has been initiated. The Prime Minister has announced he will campaign for Burnham, describing the 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 while sharing a video of himself driving his van.

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