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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Heather Stewart

Net migration is plummeting. Why can’t Labour say so?

Airport terminal with UK flag overlay and people with suitcases walking past people at desks
Since Brexit, net migration has been on a rollercoaster ride more dramatic than anything at a theme park. Illustration: Islandstock/Alamy

Keir Starmer’s response to the 69% fall in net migration revealed in official figures last week was to remark: “That’s a step in the right direction.”

Describing a reduction of more than two-thirds of any indicator in a single year as a “step” would be a creative use of statistics, putting it kindly.

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