Lead

Long-term net migration to the United Kingdom fell by nearly half last year, according to official figures released on Thursday, marking a continued sharp decline from a record peak in 2023. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that net migration—the difference between the number of people moving to the UK and those leaving—stood at 171,000 in the 12 months to the end of December, down from 331,000 a year earlier, a drop of 48%. This is the lowest level since 2021, and the figures are seen as a boost for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government, which had promised to reduce the number of people arriving in the country.

Coverage comparison

The two news organisations that provided coverage of this story—Al Jazeera and The Guardian—both focused on the official figures and the government's role in driving down migration, but they placed different emphasis on the broader context and implications.

Al Jazeera's reporting led with the government's perspective, citing Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood's welcome of "progress from tighter policies" and noting the government's pledge to go further in restricting immigration. The outlet also highlighted concerns raised by employers and economists about potential labour shortages. Its tone was informative, framing the decline as a result of "tougher government measures" introduced in recent years.

The Guardian's coverage, in two separate articles, took a more analytical approach. The first article, focused on the official data, noted the decline was driven primarily by a 47% fall in the number of nationals from outside the EU arriving for work-related reasons. It also reported that overall emigration fell slightly during the same period. The second article delved into a perception gap, citing research from the British Future think tank, which highlighted a "chasm" between public beliefs and the reality of migration trends.

Both outlets reported the same core statistics, but The Guardian's second piece expanded the story to examine how public opinion is at odds with the data, an angle Al Jazeera did not explore.

Key claims

  • Net migration to the UK fell to 171,000 in the 12 months to the end of December, down from 331,000 a year earlier, a decline of nearly 50%, as reported by both Al Jazeera and The Guardian.
  • The fall extends a sharp decline from a record peak of 944,000 in 2023, according to both outlets, citing ONS data.
  • The decline was driven by fewer non-EU nationals arriving for work-related reasons, which fell by 47% in 2025, as The Guardian reported. Overall emigration also fell slightly during the period.
  • The government has pledged to go further in restricting immigration, with Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood welcoming the progress but saying there is still work to do. She said the government's new skills-based migration approach would "reward contribution and end reliance on 'cheap overseas workers'," as quoted by Al Jazeera.
  • Employers and economists have raised concerns about labour shortages, according to Al Jazeera, though specific details were not provided in the material.
  • A think tank, British Future, found that many people mistakenly believe net migration is rising despite figures showing a sharp fall, as reported by The Guardian. Their research revealed that 67% of people with sceptical views on immigration believe net migration increased in 2025, compared with 37% of those with more liberal views. The research also found that six in 10 people who want immigration reduced also believe numbers are still rising.
  • Net migration dropped from 944,000 in the year to March 2023 to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, according to the same research, which was published ahead of the latest figures.
  • The ONS figures cover net migration in the 12 months to December 2025, as The Guardian noted. The Home Office is also publishing its own figures later on Thursday, covering the period to March 2026.

Perspectives

UK Government: Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood welcomed the decline as progress from tighter policies, but stressed there is still work to do. She said the government is committed to restoring order and control to borders, and will introduce a skills-based migration system to reward contribution and end reliance on "cheap overseas workers."

Think Tank (British Future): The research highlighted a significant disconnect between public perception and reality, with most people believing net migration is rising despite figures showing a sharp fall. Director Sunder Katwala argued the debate should focus on managing the pressures and gains of migration, rather than merely discussing how to reduce it.

Employers and Economists: Al Jazeera reported that these groups have raised concerns about labour shortages as a result of tighter migration policies, though specific details were not elaborated in the material.