Andy Burnham Calls for Further Reduction in UK Net Migration, Citing Constituent Concerns
Andy Burnham, campaigning in the Makerfield by-election, has declared that UK net migration 'needs to fall further'. His comments follow recent Home Office data indicating that net migration, the difference between people entering and leaving the country, added 171,000 individuals to the UK population last year. This figure represents the lowest level since 2012, excluding the Covid pandemic, and is a significant reduction from 2024.
Migration Policy and Political Divisions
Burnham, currently the Mayor of Greater Manchester, acknowledged that constituents have 'raised their concerns about immigration' with him. He also indicated his support for the 'broad thrust' of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's plans to make it more challenging for migrants to gain permanent settlement in the UK. Mahmood has justified these changes as 'fair' and necessary to prevent a 'drain on our public finances'.
However, these proposals have met with internal Labour opposition. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, among other Labour MPs, has criticised the retrospective nature of the plans, describing them as 'un-British' and 'moving the goalposts'. Settlement, or indefinite leave to remain, confers the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, with access to benefits. The Home Office projects that approximately 1.6 million people could settle between 2026 and 2030 without policy adjustments.
Makerfield By-election and Labour Leadership Speculation
Burnham's bid for the Makerfield seat is widely seen as a potential precursor to a challenge for the Labour leadership against Sir Keir Starmer. At his campaign launch, Burnham framed a vote for him as a 'vote to change Labour' and to restore 'the party back they used to know'. Starmer has faced calls for his resignation after recent election results, though no formal leadership challenge has materialised. Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon, who came second in 2024, is also contesting the by-election, claiming Labour has 'taken voters in the area for granted'. The Liberal Democrats have selected councillor Jake Austin, while the Green Party is expected to announce a new candidate shortly.
