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Net migration to Britain hits an all-time high Net migration to Britain hits an all-time high
(about 2 hours later)
Net migration to Britain has hit an all-time high, according to official statistics released on Thursday.Net migration to Britain has hit an all-time high, according to official statistics released on Thursday.
The metric, which shows the extent to which the population is increasing due to the effects of immigration and emigration, was at 333,000 in the year to March 2015.The metric, which shows the extent to which the population is increasing due to the effects of immigration and emigration, was at 333,000 in the year to March 2015.
Of those entering the UK, 269,000 were EU citizen, who have the right to freedom of movement within the European Union.Of those entering the UK, 269,000 were EU citizen, who have the right to freedom of movement within the European Union.
Net migration measures the difference between the number of people leaving the country and the number of people entering.Net migration measures the difference between the number of people leaving the country and the number of people entering.
David Cameron said he would reduce net immigration The new level is 10,000 higher than the previous record level of net migration, which was set in June 2005.David Cameron said he would reduce net immigration The new level is 10,000 higher than the previous record level of net migration, which was set in June 2005.
This is the fifth consecutive quarter that an increase has been posted.This is the fifth consecutive quarter that an increase has been posted.
The increase is broadly in line with expectations. Immigration minister James Brokenshire describe the figures as “disappointing”.The increase is broadly in line with expectations. Immigration minister James Brokenshire describe the figures as “disappointing”.
David Cameron has set a target to bring net migration below 100,000, meaning the target is being missed by three times.David Cameron has set a target to bring net migration below 100,000, meaning the target is being missed by three times.
It comes as business groups branded the Government’s net migration target “bizarre” and called for a review of the policy.It comes as business groups branded the Government’s net migration target “bizarre” and called for a review of the policy.
"Scrabbling around to find measures to hit a bizarre and unachievable migration target is no way to give British businesses the stable environment they need,” said Simon Walker, the Institute of Directors’ director general."Scrabbling around to find measures to hit a bizarre and unachievable migration target is no way to give British businesses the stable environment they need,” said Simon Walker, the Institute of Directors’ director general.
"Combined with ministers' increasingly strong rhetoric on immigration, the UK's reputation as an open, competitive economy is under threat.""Combined with ministers' increasingly strong rhetoric on immigration, the UK's reputation as an open, competitive economy is under threat."
Labour MP Frank Field however criticised the Government for not reducing the levels of migration.Labour MP Frank Field however criticised the Government for not reducing the levels of migration.
‘These highest ever net migration figures highlight how fundamental it is that the Prime Minister must secure physical control of our borders as a key red and blue line in his renegotiation exercise with Europe,” he said.‘These highest ever net migration figures highlight how fundamental it is that the Prime Minister must secure physical control of our borders as a key red and blue line in his renegotiation exercise with Europe,” he said.
“The failure of all the political parties in not making this a key demand will mean that they will never ever be able to tell the British electorate that they can bring immigration under control, and deliver.’“The failure of all the political parties in not making this a key demand will mean that they will never ever be able to tell the British electorate that they can bring immigration under control, and deliver.’
Public concern about immigration is the highest in recent memory, according to a poll by Ipsos MORI.Public concern about immigration is the highest in recent memory, according to a poll by Ipsos MORI.
Fifty per cent of the public said migration was one of the most important issues facing the UK.Fifty per cent of the public said migration was one of the most important issues facing the UK.
Additional reporting by PA