Office for National Statistics estimate shows fall from 860,000 in 2023 to 431,000 last year

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Net migration to the UK has nearly halved over the year to 431,000, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, in figures which will bring some relief to Keir Starmer.

The drop from 860,000 in the year to December 2024 follows a series of policies implemented by the last Conservative government that have been continued by the present Labour government.

Justice secretary expected to back radical sentencing reforms, including use of libido-suppressing drugs in England and Wales

Shabana Mahmood, the lord chancellor, is considering mandatory chemical castration for the most serious sex offenders, according to government sources.

The minister’s department is planning to expand a pilot to 20 regions as part of a package of “radical” measures to free thousands of prisoners and ease prison overcrowding in England and Wales.