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Andy Burnham, the Labour candidate for the upcoming Makerfield by-election and current Mayor of Greater Manchester, has stated that UK net migration “needs to fall further,” following the release of new figures indicating a significant decrease in migration levels since 2024. His comments come as local residents express heightened concerns regarding immigration, a topic that has consistently featured in political discourse.
Migration Figures Show Decline
According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), net migration added 171,000 individuals to the UK’s population last year, marking the lowest level since 2012, excluding the pandemic period. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the positive trend but stated that “there is more to do” to address public concerns.
Burnham noted that the recent statistics demonstrate a “trend that is significantly down,” suggesting that the government must continue to adjust its immigration policies. He emphasised the need for a balanced approach in the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposals aimed at tightening immigration rules for long-term settlement.
Home Secretary’s Proposals Under Scrutiny
Mahmood’s recent initiatives have sparked debate within Labour ranks. While Burnham expressed general support for the direction of these proposals, others, including former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have branded the retrospective nature of the changes as “un-British.” Rayner’s remarks highlight a growing discord within the party regarding immigration policy, especially as the Home Office estimates that approximately 1.6 million people could settle in the UK between 2026 and 2030 if current regulations remain unchanged.
The Labour candidate insists that the consultation process is essential to strike the right balance in the proposed changes. Burnham stated, “We’ll have to work hard to get the balance right, but the broad thrust of what she’s doing is right.” This acknowledgment of the need for a careful approach reflects the ongoing tension between public sentiment and party policy.
Evolution of Burnham’s Stance on Gender Identity
In a related development, Burnham’s views on single-sex spaces have also evolved. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) recently issued guidance stipulating that access to such spaces should be determined based on biological sex. Previously, Burnham had downplayed the concerns surrounding the inclusion of trans women in female spaces, asserting that only a “small minority” opposed it.
However, after the Supreme Court ruling that reinforced the definition of a woman under the Equality Act as being based on biological sex, Burnham now accepts this interpretation. He remarked, “I’ll be honest, yes,” when queried about the shift in his stance. The mayor stressed the importance of implementing this ruling while ensuring that marginalised communities are not further disenfranchised.
The By-Election Landscape
Burnham is vying to reclaim a seat in Westminster through the Makerfield by-election, a race that has implications for Labour’s leadership dynamics. Should he secure victory, he is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership, particularly in light of Starmer’s declining popularity following recent electoral setbacks.
At his campaign launch, Burnham framed his candidacy as an opportunity for voters to reclaim a “Labour party they used to know.” Meanwhile, Starmer plans to actively campaign for Burnham, framing the election as a crucial contest between Labour and Reform UK, which has emerged as a credible challenge to Labour’s traditional stronghold in the region.
Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon has made clear that he does not view Makerfield as a mere stepping stone, insisting that Labour has taken local voters for granted. In this charged atmosphere, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has raised concerns that the by-election is a response to Labour’s internal issues rather than a genuine contest of ideas.
Why it Matters
Burnham’s statements on migration and gender identity not only reflect his personal political evolution but also signify a broader struggle within the Labour Party to reconcile public opinion with party principles. As the Makerfield by-election approaches, the outcome could have far-reaching implications, shaping not only the future of Labour’s leadership but also its policies on immigration and social issues. The political landscape remains fluid, with the potential for significant shifts in voter allegiance as parties navigate these contentious topics.
