Britain’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released revised figures showing that net immigration to the UK peaked at a higher level in 2023 than previously estimated, while far more British nationals emigrated in subsequent years than earlier data suggested.
The revisions, published Tuesday, stem from the use of labour ministry records that more accurately captured the movement of British nationals compared to earlier surveys conducted at ports and airports.
According to the new estimates, overall net immigration reached 944,000 in the year ending March 2023, surpassing the earlier peak of 906,000 recorded in the year to June 2023. However, by December 2024, net immigration had fallen to 345,000, revised down from 431,000, largely due to higher emigration among Britons.
Key Findings from the Revised Data (2021–2024)
- Net immigration peak: 944,000 (March 2023), higher than the previous estimate of 906,000.
- Net immigration (Dec 2024): Revised down to 345,000 from 431,000.
- Cumulative net immigration (2021–2024): 97,000 lower than previously thought.
- Net emigration by British nationals (2021–2024): Revised up to 412,000 from 44,000.
- Total emigration of British nationals (2021–2024): Revised up to 992,000 from 343,000.
- Total immigration of British nationals (2021–2024): Revised up to 623,000 from 317,000.
Revisions to figures for non-British, non-EU nationals were relatively small, while the data also showed that fewer EU nationals had left the UK than previously estimated.
The findings come as immigration remains a central issue in British politics. Recent debates have focused on high levels of non-EU arrivals—both legal and illegal—with the Labour government outlining new policies aimed at reducing inflows.
The revised statistics, covering the pandemic period, highlight the scale of population movement and underscore the growing trend of Britons leaving the country in recent years.
