UK net migration needs to fall further, says Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election, has called for UK net migration to fall further, following new government data showing a significant decline in migration levels. The Office for National Statistics reported that net migration added 171,000 people to the UK population last year, the lowest figure since 2012 outside of the Covid pandemic period. Burnham noted that concerns about immigration have been frequently raised by voters during his campaign and expressed support for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposals to tighten rules on migrants’ ability to settle permanently in the UK. Burnham emphasized the need to "get the balance right" on immigration policy, backing the broad direction of the government’s plans while acknowledging the complexity of the issue. The Home Office forecasts that without changes, around 1.6 million people could gain indefinite leave to remain between 2026 and 2030, a figure the government aims to reduce. However, some Labour figures, including former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have criticized aspects of the proposals as unfair and retrospective, accusing the government of "moving the goalposts." Burnham stressed the importance of consultation and careful policy design to address public concerns while maintaining fairness. In addition to immigration, Burnham addressed recent guidance on single-sex spaces issued by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, which ministers have approved. The guidance states that access to spaces such as changing rooms and toilets should be based on biological sex. Burnham acknowledged a shift in his position, accepting the Supreme Court ruling that defines a woman under the Equality Act by biological sex and affirming that this ruling must be implemented. He also emphasized that this should not lead to further marginalization of transgender and other vulnerable groups, maintaining his long-standing "live and let live" approach to social issues. Burnham’s comments reflect ongoing debates within the Labour Party and the broader UK political landscape about immigration control and transgender rights, highlighting the challenges of balancing public opinion, legal rulings, and party unity ahead of upcoming elections.