Net migration to the UK nearly halved between 2024 and 2025, driven mainly by foreign students and workers leaving rather than Britons emigrating. Small-boat crossings and illegal border entries in Europe are also down 40% in early 2026.
The drop triggered political fallout last week after US Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized Britain’s immigration record. Vance linked the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak to “mass invasion of migrants” and Europe’s “self-hatred”, prompting a rare public rebuke from the UK government. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he told Vance he was wrong. Hegseth drew criticism for comparing small boats to D-Day landings.
Analysts warn the interventions reflect a strategic push by Vance and allies to influence UK politics via social media platform X, where hard-right party Restore has gained visibility. With a Nato summit and UK social media crackdown ahead, officials say Britain may need to defend its political sovereignty against foreign influence.
Source: The Guardian (Edited by Al-Manar English Website)