In a bold move during his campaign for the Makerfield by-election, Andy Burnham has asserted that net migration to the UK must decrease further, following the release of government statistics indicating a significant drop in migration figures. The current mayor of Greater Manchester, representing Labour, has stated that constituents have voiced their concerns regarding immigration, underscoring the political sensitivity surrounding this issue as he seeks to reclaim a parliamentary seat.
Declining Migration Figures
The Office for National Statistics recently reported that net migration added 171,000 individuals to the UK population last year, a figure that marks the lowest level since 2012, excluding the pandemic years. Burnham seized on this data, noting that the trend illustrates a substantial decline in migration rates. “People are worried about immigration,” he remarked, emphasising the need for the government to address these anxieties effectively.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed Burnham’s sentiments, stating that while progress has been made, “there is still more to do.” As the Labour Party grapples with its stance on immigration ahead of the upcoming by-election, the party’s leadership is under scrutiny, particularly regarding how to balance public concerns with the need for a compassionate immigration system.
Government Proposals and Internal Dissent
Burnham endorsed the broader direction of proposed changes by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, which aim to tighten the regulations governing migrants seeking permanent residency. Mahmood has characterised these reforms as essential to mitigate fiscal pressures on public services. However, dissent within Labour ranks is palpable, with figures like former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner labelling the retrospective nature of these proposals as “un-British” and akin to “moving the goalposts.”
“The government must get the balance right,” Burnham stated, highlighting the importance of ongoing consultations regarding the changes. He acknowledged that indefinite leave to remain—a status that allows individuals to live, work, and access benefits in the UK—could see a surge, with projections estimating that around 1.6 million people could settle between 2026 and 2030 if current policies remain unchanged.
Shifting Views on Gender and Equality
In a related development, Burnham’s stance on single-sex spaces has evolved in light of recent guidance from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The updated guidance, which asserts that access to these spaces should be determined by biological sex, has prompted Burnham to concede that he accepts the Supreme Court’s ruling on the definition of a woman under the Equality Act.
Previously, Burnham had defended the inclusion of trans women in women’s spaces, stating that only a “small minority” objected to the presence of trans individuals. However, he has now expressed a desire to strike a balance that respects the rights of all individuals while acknowledging the complexities involved in this sensitive debate.
The Road to Westminster
As Burnham campaigns for re-election, he is positioning himself as a harbinger of change within the Labour Party, declaring that a vote for him represents a vote for a Labour that is more in tune with its constituents. His ambitions extend beyond Makerfield; should he regain a seat, he is widely viewed as a potential challenger to Starmer’s leadership amid ongoing speculation about the Prime Minister’s future following disappointing election results.
The atmosphere surrounding the Makerfield by-election is charged, with Burnham asserting that it presents a “straight fight between Labour and Reform,” as he prepares to face off against Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon. Kenyon, a local councillor and self-employed plumber, has indicated that Labour has taken voters in the region for granted, warning that once “safe seats” are now in jeopardy.
Why it Matters
As the political landscape shifts, Burnham’s calls for reduced migration resonate with a public increasingly concerned about immigration’s impact on local services and community cohesion. With the Labour Party’s internal divisions exposed and external pressures mounting from rival parties, how Burnham navigates these challenges could redefine not only his political career but also the future direction of Labour as it seeks to reconcile its progressive values with the pressing concerns of its electorate. This by-election is not merely a local contest; it reflects broader national anxieties about immigration, identity, and the balance of power within one of the UK’s major political parties.
