Nearly a million people a year: immigration to Britain hits record levels.

The Office for National Statistics has published a new estimate of the number of immigrants. It is estimated that over the past two to three years, the number of arrivals in Great Britain has nearly reached a million people annually. This was reported by the BBC.

According to the Bureau, from June 2022 to June 2023, the migration balance was 906,000 people. About 1.3 million people arrived, while 414,000 left. The balance decreased to 728,000 the following year, but this estimate may change in the future.

Before the referendum on leaving the European Union, supporters of Brexit promised to reduce immigration and regain control over the borders. However, even as part of the EU, Great Britain did not lose control over its borders. Politicians from the Conservative Party have consistently promised to decrease the number of immigrants to the country, but have been unable to achieve this.

After Brexit and the end of quarantine restrictions, the number of EU citizens moving to Great Britain has significantly decreased. According to estimates from the Office for National Statistics, in 2023-2024, nearly all immigrants came from Asia and Africa. Specifically, people from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and China have relocated to the country.

Illegal immigrants make up a small portion of the total number of arrivals. Nevertheless, their number is still significant, as about 130,000 people are waiting for asylum applications.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that previous governments have consciously allowed such an increase in immigration. Politician Chris Philp accused the Labour Party of reducing control and allowing new restrictions regarding visas for relatives. He called for stronger border control and to protect the interests of British workers and their families.

In recent days, Great Britain has also faced a record number of illegal migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. Only on Saturday, 17 boats with 973 people on board arrived.