Fears of a City-Sized Influx

Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is expected to face backlash from fellow Tories today as concerns grow about a potential record increase in net migration. Insiders are worried that the figure could reveal as many as 700,000 foreigners entering Britain in the year leading up to June, which is equivalent to the population of Newcastle.

Tragic Drowning Incident Amplifies Concerns

The growing concerns come in the wake of a tragic incident where two migrants, a man and a woman in their thirties, drowned after their small boat capsized in French waters. Despite rescue efforts, the incident claimed two lives and left one person hospitalized, with 57 passengers rescued.

Surge in Net Migration Expected

It is now anticipated that net migration will surpass the previous 12-month high of 606,000 in 2022, fueling calls for stricter immigration controls. This surge in numbers also appears to render the Prime Minister's promise to reduce net migration to below 245,000, as outlined in the party's 2019 election manifesto, increasingly unlikely.

Contemplating Stricter Measures

Government ministers are now exploring proposals to restrict overseas health workers from bringing more than one family member with them. This move is part of an effort to address concerns over the rising levels of migration and fulfill the Conservative Party's commitment to reducing net migration.

Tory MP Urges Significant Reductions

Tory MP Tom Hunt emphasized the importance of lowering net migration, stating, "We stood on a manifesto saying we’d cut net migration. At the time it was a little over 200,000. The vast majority of the electorate think migration is too high. We need to bring numbers down substantially."