The fall in net migration to the lowest annual figure since 2021 has been described as a “step in the right direction” by the Prime Minister.

Latest estimates published on Thursday suggest the number dropped to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, down 69% year-on-year from 649,000, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Net migration peaked at a record 944,000 in the year to March 2023 but has fallen sharply since then.

Net migration – the difference between the number of people moving long-term to the country and the number of people leaving – has been on a downwards trend for the past two years.

Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the figures while separate data published by the Home Office showed a rise in the number of asylum seekers being housed in hotels and a new record high

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