The Home Office has released data on irregular migration, including arrivals via small boats in the English Channel and other illegal means. There were 38,784 irregular arrivals in the year ending June 2024, with 81% arriving by small boats. The number of people waiting for an initial asylum decision in the UK was 118,882 in June 2024, down 32% from the previous year. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is moving forward with plans to reopen two immigration centers to increase removal rates. In other news, child benefit claims rose in April, GCSE grades for 16-year-olds were consistent with last year, and political party memberships declined in 2023.
Former Home Secretary James Cleverly defended the outgoing Conservative government’s record on migration, stating a decrease in work visas and small boat arrivals. Rishi Sunak’s government ban on allowing family members for study and health visas remains in place under the Labour opposition, despite shortages. Over 19,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats this year, with the Rwanda policy costing taxpayers. The gap in GCSE results between private and state schools widened at the highest grades, with concerns over right-wing extremism rising in Britain.
In Scottish politics, two contenders dropped out of the Scottish Conservative leadership race, leaving three MSPs remaining. Douglas Ross’s resignation amid internal pressure highlighted internal divisions in the party. These developments highlight ongoing challenges in UK politics and migration policies.
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