Net migration has dropped further to the lowest annual figure since 2021, new estimates suggest.

Net migration – the difference between the number of people moving long-term to the country and the number of people leaving – has been on a downwards trend for the past two years.

Latest figures published on Thursday show the number dropped to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, down 69% year-on-year from 649,000, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Reacting to the fall, Sir Keir Starmer said it is “a step in the right direction”.

An estimated 898,000 people immigrated to the UK in the year to June while 693,000 emigrated.

Net migration peaked at a record 944,000 in the year to March 2023 but has fallen sharply since then.

The decrease in net migration is being driven by

See Full Page