In a bold declaration, Andy Burnham has asserted that UK net migration must see additional decreases following the release of government statistics indicating a near halving in migration figures since 2024. As Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election, Burnham is responding directly to concerns voiced by constituents, who have made their anxieties over immigration clear. The latest data from the Office for National Statistics revealed that net migration contributed an increase of 171,000 to the UK population last year—a figure not seen since 2012, excluding the pandemic years. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed Burnham’s sentiments, emphasising that there remains “more to do” in addressing this pressing issue.
Migration Trends and Government Response
The recent migration statistics illuminate a significant downward trend, a development Burnham believes should continue. He stressed the need for the government to “get the balance right” regarding its plans to tighten the criteria for permanent settlement in the UK. Current Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood advocates for these changes, arguing that they are essential to prevent a potential “drain on our public finances.”
However, not all within the Labour Party share Burnham’s enthusiasm for these proposals. Some prominent figures, including ex-Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have labelled the retrospective aspect of the policy as “un-British,” accusing the government of shifting the criteria mid-game. Burnham, while supporting the overall direction of Mahmood’s policy, acknowledged the necessity for careful consultation to ensure fairness and coherence.
Shift in Stance on Gender and Equality
Burnham’s campaign launch also revealed a notable shift in his views regarding single-sex spaces. Responding to questions about the guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), he confirmed that he now accepts the ruling stipulating that access to single-sex facilities should be determined by biological sex. Previously, Burnham had suggested that objections to trans women using women’s facilities were limited to a “small minority.” In a candid admission, he stated, “I’ll be honest, yes,” regarding the evolution of his perspective on this contentious issue.
He further articulated that while he supports the ruling, it should not be interpreted as a victory over marginalised groups. His aim, he said, is to create a framework that respects everyone’s rights and concerns, striving for a balanced approach that unites rather than divides.
The Stakes in Makerfield
As Burnham seeks to reclaim a seat in Westminster through the Makerfield by-election, he is positioning himself as a transformative figure within Labour. He has made it clear that a vote for him signifies a desire for change and a return to the party’s foundational values. The political landscape is fraught with uncertainty, particularly as speculation mounts regarding Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership following recent electoral setbacks.
Starmer, however, remains resolute amidst calls for his resignation, insisting on his commitment to campaign for Burnham’s candidacy. The contest in Makerfield is framed as a pivotal moment, with Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon asserting that Labour has taken local voters for granted and that the party’s “safe seats are massively under threat.” This sentiment is echoed by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who remarked that the by-election appears to be a mechanism to resolve internal Labour disputes.
In the midst of this charged political atmosphere, the Liberal Democrats have also entered the fray, selecting councillor Jake Austin as their candidate, while the Green Party is set to announce a replacement candidate following the withdrawal of their initial choice.
Why it Matters
Burnham’s calls for tighter migration controls and his evolving stance on gender issues reflect broader societal debates that resonate deeply within the UK. As the political landscape shifts, the Makerfield by-election stands as a microcosm of the challenges facing Labour and its leadership. With immigration and equality at the forefront of public discourse, how Burnham navigates these issues could significantly influence not only his political future but also the direction of the Labour Party as it seeks to reconnect with disillusioned voters. This by-election may well serve as a litmus test for the party’s relevance in contemporary British politics and its capacity to balance progressive ideals with public sentiment.
