Farage Condemns Latest UK Net Migration Figures as ‘Disastrous’ Betrayal of Brexit Voters
Nigel Farage has reignited the immigration debate in British politics with a fierce rebuke of the latest government figures showing net migration reached 431,000 in 2024. Branding the figures “disastrous” and a “great Tory betrayal,” the Reform UK leader accused both the Conservative and Labour parties of breaking their promises to the British people, particularly those who voted for Brexit in hopes of tighter border control.
Posting on social media, Farage wrote:
“Net migration of over 400,000 for Labour’s first year of government. Not as high as the great Tory betrayal, but still disastrous.”
His remarks have sparked new discussions around immigration policy, national identity, and political accountability in the post-Brexit era.
ONS Reveals 431,000 Net Migration for 2024
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed that net migration to the UK for the year ending December 2024 was 431,000, a steep drop from the record-breaking 860,000 in 2023. While the decrease has been welcomed in some quarters, the number still far exceeds pre-Brexit levels and raises questions about the effectiveness of current immigration policies.
Breakdown of the figures shows:
- A decline in student visas and family reunifications
- A modest drop in asylum approvals
- Continued inflows of skilled workers in health, IT, and engineering
Despite the reduction, immigration remains a top-tier issue for voters, particularly among Brexit supporters and Reform UK’s core base.
Farage’s Reaction: Immigration Crisis Deepening
Farage’s critique wasn’t limited to Labour. He directed much of his ire at the Conservative Party, which governed during the lead-up to the crisis. “The Tories broke their pledge to reduce immigration. Labour inherited the mess—but now they’re doubling down on open borders,” he told GB News.
As leader of Reform UK, Farage has positioned himself as the only politician willing to take tough stances on immigration. His calls include:
- Freezing most non-essential immigration
- Establishing a Minister for Deportations
- Implementing a legally binding immigration cap voted on annually by Parliament
Starmer’s Government Defends Border Strategy
Responding to the backlash, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper pointed to improvements in removals and enforcement. “We’ve returned 29,800 people since the election—12% more than the previous government,” Starmer stated, emphasizing that Labour is restoring control over UK borders.
The government has also proposed:
- A fast-track deportation scheme for rejected asylum seekers
- Stricter rules on visa sponsorship and appeals
- Investment in biometric border controls
Still, critics argue Labour is doing little more than rebranding existing Tory failures.
