**
In the wake of recent government statistics indicating a significant drop in net migration, Andy Burnham has articulated a need for continued reductions. The Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election highlighted concerns expressed by constituents regarding immigration levels, suggesting that the current figures point to a downward trend that could be improved upon further.
Recent Migration Figures
On Thursday, the Home Office released data revealing that net migration contributed an additional 171,000 individuals to the UK’s population last year, marking the lowest level since 2012, excluding the exceptional period of the Covid pandemic. Burnham, who serves as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, noted that this shift reflects the concerns he has encountered on the campaign trail. “People have raised their concerns about immigration,” he stated, reinforcing the sentiment that immigration remains a pressing issue for voters.
Government Response and Proposed Changes
Burnham expressed his support for the current government’s efforts to tighten immigration controls. He underscored the importance of achieving a balanced approach in the proposed changes that aim to make it more difficult for migrants to gain permanent residency in the UK. “We’ll have to work hard to get the balance right, but the broad thrust of what she’s doing is right,” he remarked, referring to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposals.
Mahmood has defended these changes, arguing that they are necessary to prevent a potential strain on public finances, a view that has garnered mixed reactions within the Labour Party. Notably, some party members, including former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have voiced concerns over the retrospective nature of the proposals, labelling them as “un-British” and accusing the government of “moving the goalposts.”
Burnham’s Political Aspirations
As Burnham campaigns for a return to Parliament, he is positioning himself as a candidate for change within the Labour Party. During his campaign launch, he asserted that a vote for him represents a vote to restore the Labour identity that resonated with traditional supporters. There is ongoing speculation regarding Burnham’s potential leadership ambitions, particularly in light of Sir Keir Starmer’s recent challenges following disappointing election results. Despite calls for Starmer to resign, he remains steadfast in his role, pledging to support Burnham in the by-election.
The Landscape of the By-election
The contest in Makerfield is shaping up to be a closely fought race, with Burnham facing competition from Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, who previously secured second place in the 2024 elections. Kenyon has expressed his belief that Labour has taken voters for granted, indicating that the party’s historical safe seats could be in jeopardy. The Liberal Democrats have selected councillor Jake Austin as their candidate, while the Green Party is expected to announce a new candidate following the withdrawal of their initial nominee shortly after the announcement.
Why it Matters
The discussion surrounding immigration remains a critical issue in UK politics, particularly as parties prepare for upcoming elections. Burnham’s emphasis on reducing net migration aligns with broader concerns among constituents and could significantly influence voter sentiment in the Makerfield by-election. As political dynamics continue to evolve, how the Labour Party navigates these immigration policies will likely have lasting implications for its electoral fortunes and its identity moving forward.
