In a pointed statement during his campaign for the Makerfield by-election, Andy Burnham has asserted that net migration in the UK must decrease even further. This remark comes in the wake of new Office for National Statistics (ONS) data indicating that immigration levels have almost halved since 2024, a development that has resonated with constituents expressing their anxieties over immigration policies. Burnham, currently the mayor of Greater Manchester, is leveraging these concerns as he seeks to return to Westminster.
Migration Trends and Political Implications
The ONS data released on Thursday revealed a net migration increase of 171,000 people to the UK in the past year, the lowest figure since 2012, excluding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Responding to these statistics, Burnham stated, “The trend is significantly down,” whilst emphasising that the government must “get the balance right” in its approach to immigration reform. His comments come as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that there remains “more to do” regarding immigration policies.
Burnham has expressed support for the proposals outlined by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, which aim to tighten the criteria for migrants seeking permanent residency. Mahmood has defended these changes as necessary to prevent a “drain on our public finances,” but the proposals have drawn criticism from within Labour ranks. Notably, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner labelled the retrospective nature of the reforms as “un-British,” arguing that they are tantamount to “moving the goalposts” for migrants.
Shifts in Policy and Personal Stance
In addition to his views on migration, Burnham has also revisited his stance on the issue of single-sex spaces in response to new guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The guidance stipulates that access to facilities like changing rooms and toilets should be determined by biological sex. Previously, Burnham described the objections from a “small minority” of individuals regarding trans women in women’s spaces as unfounded. However, he has since acknowledged the Supreme Court ruling defining a woman under the Equality Act as based on biological sex, stating, “This has to be implemented.”
When pressed on whether his views had evolved, Burnham candidly admitted, “I’ll be honest, yes.” He emphasised his commitment to a “live and let live” philosophy while striving for a fair resolution that respects the concerns of all individuals involved. His evolving position reflects the complexities of navigating sensitive social issues in the contemporary political landscape.
The By-Election Landscape
As Burnham campaigns for the Makerfield seat, he faces a challenging political environment. His campaign launch featured a clarion call for voters to choose him as a means to “change Labour” and restore the party’s traditional values. The backdrop of his candidacy is marked by persistent speculation about Starmer’s leadership following disappointing election results for Labour earlier this month.
Starmer has pledged to support Burnham in the upcoming by-election, framing it as a “straight fight between Labour and Reform.” However, the contest is not without its challenges. Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate and a local councillor, has publicly declared that Labour has taken the constituency for granted, warning that “safe seats are massively under threat.” His comments signal a potential shift in voter sentiment that could upend traditional party loyalties.
The Liberal Democrats have named councillor Jake Austin as their candidate, while the Green Party is expected to announce a replacement soon after their initial choice withdrew unexpectedly. This evolving political landscape presents an opportunity for significant shifts in voter alignment in the region.
Why it Matters
Burnham’s calls for a further reduction in net migration encapsulate a broader political trend where immigration remains a pivotal issue in British politics, influencing both local elections and national discourse. His campaign reflects not only the anxieties of constituents but also the delicate balancing act that Labour must navigate as it seeks to address public concerns while maintaining its foundational principles. As the Makerfield by-election approaches, the outcome could foreshadow larger implications for Labour’s direction and the future of immigration policy in the UK.
