Rising levels of migration are not a betrayal of Brexit, according to Michael Gove. Despite the need to "bring numbers down," Gove emphasized that measures to do so would not have been possible before Brexit. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently published revised estimates showing that net migration into the UK reached a record high of 745,000 in the year to December 2022, three times higher than pre-Brexit levels. However, Gove stated that Brexit has given the UK the opportunity to set its own migration rules.

Conservative Party Pledge and Calls for Action

The Conservative Party's 2019 manifesto included a pledge to reduce overall migration numbers. Many MPs on the right of the party, including former home secretary Suella Braverman, have called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to honor this commitment. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is now working with new Home Secretary James Cleverly to implement further measures to drive down migration figures.

Gove's Response and Refugee Influx

During an interview with LBC, Michael Gove rejected claims that the new ONS figures contradict the UK's decision to leave the EU. He highlighted the opportunity Brexit provides for the UK to change its migration rules. Gove also acknowledged that the figures have been inflated by the influx of refugees from Ukraine and Hong Kong, adding that the UK has a longstanding tradition of offering shelter and support to refugees.

The Prime Minister's Promise and Home Secretary's Role

Gove stated that Prime Minister Johnson has made a promise to address the issue, and Home Secretary Cleverly will be involved in finding solutions. While Gove did not provide specific details, he expressed confidence that the government will work to ensure the success of the Rwanda deal and implement a comprehensive range of policies to control borders and tackle illegal migration.

Business Secretary's Stance

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch also commented on the ONS figures, stating that she will push for the "strongest measures possible" to reduce migration. When asked about former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's proposal to increase the salary threshold for migrant workers, Badenoch emphasized the need to wait for the Home Secretary's plan before discussing specifics. However, she expressed her support for taking various measures, such as adjusting the salary threshold and considering dependents, to bring migration numbers to a sustainable level.

Badenoch also appeared to place blame on Prime Minister Johnson for the high migration numbers, stating that they occurred under his leadership.