The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that 239,000 more people are arriving in the UK than those leaving – soaring net migration by 21%.
This drop undermines Home Secretary, Theresa May’s plans to bring net migration below 100,000.
ONS estimates put long-term immigration in 2010 at 575,000, up slightly from 567,000 the year before.
Overseas students make up the main group migrating to the UK, with 228,000 coming to study in 2010. Three quarters of this figure are from outside the EU.
Immigration minister, Damian Green said: “This explains why the government radically changed immigration policy, from our first months in office, to drive the numbers down with a limit on economic migration and changes to student visas to ensure we attract the brightest and best whilst tackling widespread abuse of the system.”
Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migration Watch UK which campaigns for tougher controls, said the figures “lay bare the legacy” of the previous Labour government.
“The coalition government will have to face down some vested interests if they are to get anywhere near their target of tens of thousands,” he added.
Follow us on: